Yankees legends give Alex Rodriguez sentimental sendoff
Alex Rodriguez is playing his last game with the New York Yankees tonight and his former teammates paid tribute to him before his swan song.
Alex Rodriguez made his Major League Baseball debut on July 8, 1994, at 18 years old. Now, after 21 seasons, the infamous A-Rod is hanging up his cleats for what might be the final time. Assuredly his game tonight will be his last in a Yankee uniform, but the idea of him playing for another team has been kicked around.
Regardless of whether or not Rodriguez dons another uniform, his 21 years of service to the MLB and especially his last 13 seasons with the New York Yankees have been marred by accusations and explanations.
Since A-Rod announced his retirement last Sunday, the week has been filled with tributes and farewells, but none as significant as the words from four Yankees legends. Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada and Andy Pettitte, who were dubbed the “Core Four” during their incredible 1990s and early 2000s seasons., all released statements honoring Rodriguez and their time together as teammates.
The four released statements honoring Rodriguez and their time together as teammates, painting a picture that Rodriguez was a beloved member of the Yankees organization. The comments from Jeter and Rivera, in particular, stand out.
“I’ve spent 22 years playing against, playing with and watching Alex from afar, and there are two things that stand out to me the most: the conversations we had when we were young — hoping for the opportunity to play at the Major League level and then somehow finding a way to stick around — and the championship we won together in 2009, Derek Jeter said, via Fox Sports. That was a season everyone on that team can cherish. What people don’t realize is how much time, effort and work that Alex put in on a daily basis. He lives and breathes baseball. I know it will be difficult for him to not be on the field, but I’m sure he will continue to give back to the game. Congrats, Alex.”
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The two were painted as rivals by the national and local media but it seems like the two were friendly and maintained a professional relationship.
“It was a privilege to play with Alex, Mariano Rivera said. Through his preparation and work ethic, you saw how much he cared about this game and about helping this team win. I love him — as a friend and as a teammate. He was all you could ask for in both.”
Here’s how you can watch his final game with the Yankees.