Hold your hats, because Alex Rodriguez’s no longer just swinging for the fences; he’s aiming for the hoop. In a “My mission to get better at basketball continues…”-captioned Instagram video, the baseball legend gave us a peek into his grueling summer training regimen—one that included banning himself from lunch until he made a basket.

The video opens with upbeat music on a sun-lit basketball court. Dressed in workout gear, A-Rod can be seen lining up a solo shot highlighted with the challenging caption, “Summer Training: Can’t eat lunch until I make a shot.” The first clangs off the rim, but his second swishes through. He jumps up in celebration and triumphantly runs up the stairs for a well-deserved meal.

Now, this isn’t A-Rod’s first basketball rodeo. He once shared a video of himself practicing at the Minnesota Timberwolves arena in December 2022, calling it his “therapy.” A-Rod’s also been spotted shooting hoops with his daughters, Natasha and Ella, during the Thanksgiving holiday just the following year. In his latest video, however, he has revealed a new level of dedication with a hunger-inducing twist. But why this sudden focus on basketball?

For Alex Rodriguez, a 14-time MLB All-Star with a World Series ring and records galore, it’s not about adding another championship to his trophy case. Instead, it seems to be a personal challenge, a way to push his limits and embrace a new athletic pursuit.

Remember, this is a guy who signed a 10-year, $275 million contract with the New York Yankees in 2007, making him one of the wealthiest athletes in the world. Yet A-Rod’s not content to rest on his laurels. He’d rather shift his focus to constantly seeking out new ways to grow, both physically and mentally.

Besides basketball, A-Rod has been diligently working on his fitness, shedding 32 pounds last year through a combination of diet changes (more plants, less meat) and exercise (yoga, meditation, and nightly walks). His dedication to health and wellness is evident in his toned physique and energetic demeanor.

Alex Rodriguez’s multi-million-dollar work ethic extends to the court 

As the owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves, A-Rod’s interest in basketball has a professional dimension as well. He’s actively involved in the team’s development and is passionate about their success. A-Rod even credited his mentor, NBA legend Pat Riley, for instilling a culture of discipline and exceptional training within the team, which has shown promise this season as they battle the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals. For now, the Timberwolves have been facing a setback starting with Game 1, losing 108-105 to the Mavericks.

Alex Rodriguez’s dedication to fitness has produced visible results within the Timberwolves, especially during critical moments. Among the team’s overall growth, Anthony Edwards’s transformation has been especially noticeable. Rudy Gobert had even pointed out how one’s eating habits could impact his performance on the court, and Edwards’ improvement there was rather felt subconsciously.

However, A-Rod’s journey as a team owner hasn’t been without its challenges. Currently embroiled in a dispute with current governor Glen Taylor over the future ownership of the team alongside partner Marc Lore, Rodriguez remains close to the players despite the lingering complications, often sharing an elaborate handshake or chest bump with star players like Anthony Edwards after each victory is marked off on the boards.

Whether it’s sinking baskets before lunch, leading the Timberwolves to victory, or simply maintaining a healthy lifestyle, Alex Rodriguez’s unwavering drive and passion for excellence are evident in everything he does. So, the next time you see him on your social media feed, don’t be surprised if he’s not just talking baseball. He might be showing off his latest basketball moves, inspiring us all to step outside our comfort zones and embrace new challenges as they come.