A-Rod at 40: The best and worst from the controversial Yankee slugger
Worst – The Slap Attack (2004 ALCS)
From one moment of glory, we slide over to a moment of infamy for Alex Rodriguez and his postseason issues.
In 2004, the Yankees and Red Sox were locked into their second-consecutive ALCS showdown and Rodriguez was front and center for it. Nearly traded to Boston during the offseason, his deal was squashed by the MLB Players Association and he instead found himself, and his massive contract, wearing pinstripes when the two butted heads for a trip to the World Series.
Rodriguez was having himself a solid postseason, going 16-for-50 with three home runs and eight RBI between the ALDS win over the Twins and the ALCS match-up with Boston. Then came Game Six and the slap that would be heard around the world.
In the bottom of the eighth inning and the Red Sox winning 4-2, the Yankees had the tying run at the plate in the form of Rodriguez. A-Rod proceeded to hit a little nubber down the first base line that was fielded by pitcher Bronson Arroyo. Arroyo opted to try and put the tag of Rodriguez, allowing Derek Jeter to move on to second base. However, Rodriguez wanted to make more out of it and swatted the ball from Arroyo’s glove with his left hand. The ball would trickled down the right field line, allowing Jeter to come all the way around from first base and A-Rod went on to second.
However, the play would not stand. Rodriguez would be called out on the play for interference and Jeter was made to return to first base, negating the run. The Yankee fans then took the time to rain down debris, including baseball’s, onto the field, causing players and umpires to be removed while order was restored. The 4-2 score would stand one inning later and the Red Sox would complete their 0-3 comeback the following night on the way to their first World Series win in 86 years.
Next: Worst Moments - The Opt-Out