Alex Rodriguez’s postseason efforts during his initial few years with the New York Yankees fell short of the superstar level that fans had hoped for. During that time, the Yankees only managed to win one of five postseason series, and A-Rod’s personal problems were evident. Before the 2008 season, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman bravely signed Rodriguez to a 10-year, $275 million contract despite these setbacks because he had faith in his ability to perform when it counted most.

Rodriguez finally delivered on that faith in 2009. Coming off his difficult postseason history, he was expected to play a key role in securing World Series championship for the Yankees—and that’s exactly what he did. A-Rod stepped up when the spotlight was brightest, delivering one of the most impactful postseason performances of his career. His contributions were vital to the Yankees’ success. Now the Old-Timer remembers how that same year, the Late George Steinbrenner tried to introduce therapy to the players. 

A-Rod reminisces a moment when the late owner of the Yanks tried to normalize therapy 

In a recent video shared by Bloomberg Originals on Instagram, Alex Rodriguez reflected on a pivotal moment in the New York Yankees’ 2009 championship run that involved a shift in how mental health and performance were approached in the clubhouse. A-Rod opened up on the “stigma around therapy, around sports” and how “we’ve come a long way.”

He recalled how, when George Steinbrenner was still running the team, the Yankees were introduced to a sports psychologist named Chad. “George Steinbrenner said, ‘I want to introduce Chad. He’s very, very good. His office will be right next to mine. Come see him anytime,’” Rodriguez shared. Despite Steinbrenner’s direct approach, no players walked into Chad’s office for two years. 

But when Steinbrenner reintroduced him, this time calling Chad a “performance coach,” everything changed. A-Rod explained, “23 out of 25 of us went in there,” demonstrating the power of labeling and how athletes’ attitudes toward mental health and support can change with the right framing. “Athletes—we bought into performance coach.” The shift in language helped break down barriers, allowing players to embrace the support they needed to perform at their best.

For A-Rod and the 2009 Yankees, this change played a key role in creating the mindset that fueled their World Series victory that season. Rodriguez was 1-2 with 2 walks and two runs scored in Game 6 as the Yankees defeated the Phillies 7-3 for the 27th World Championship Series. Just when the team needed him to deliver the most, he did and reversed his postseason misfortunes. Further, he won the Babe Ruth Award and also became the 2009 postseason MVP. And if that doesn’t speak volumes, we don’t know what does.

Old-Timer is sticking around on the Hall of Fame ballot for at least one more year

Even though it doesn’t seem probable that A-Rod will be called to Cooperstown this time, he isn’t giving up easily. He has only received 47 of the 104 votes cast thus far, which is short of the 244 votes required to be inducted this year. Although it’s a tough climb, it’s still possible in 2026. A combination of astounding statistics and some challenging inquiries about our definition of greatness characterize Rodriguez’s path to the Hall of Fame.

A-Rod was selected first overall by the Mariners in 1993, and he quickly established himself in Seattle. The Old-Timer made four appearances on the All-Star team and even won a batting crown in 1996. With 42 home runs and 46 stolen bases in 1999, he had one of the best seasons in Mariners history and helped the team to the playoffs three times. He played a key role in the M’s run in the 2000 ALCS, which saw them force the Yankees to play six games. A-Rod’s Seattle origins are still crucial to his tale, even if he went on to accomplish far more with the Yankees and Rangers.

While Rodriguez’s future in the Hall remains uncertain, he’s far from alone when it comes to the Mariners’ greatness. Ichiro Suzuki, the iconic outfielder, is all but guaranteed a spot, with a perfect 100% of the ballots in his favor. The Mariners are also well-represented in Cooperstown with Ken Griffey Jr. and Edgar Martinez already enshrined, while guys like Adrian Beltre and Randy Johnson—who spent key years in Seattle—are celebrated in the Hall with other franchises.