via Getty
ARLINGTON, TX – AUGUST 17: Alex Rodriguez #3 of the Texas Rangers throws the ball against the Chicago White Sox at the Ballpark in Arlington on August 17, 2003 in Arlington, Texas. The White Sox defeated the Rangers 6-4. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
via Getty
ARLINGTON, TX – AUGUST 17: Alex Rodriguez #3 of the Texas Rangers throws the ball against the Chicago White Sox at the Ballpark in Arlington on August 17, 2003 in Arlington, Texas. The White Sox defeated the Rangers 6-4. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Former baseball player Alex Rodriguez played in Major League Baseball for over two decades. During that period, he broke and set many records for the upcoming players to chase. He jumped over many bumps to reach where he was in his career, and it wouldn’t have been possible had he not looked up to his idol Cal Ripken Jr.
Growing up, the ex-athlete had many icons to look up to. For most people, it is their dream to grow up and play with their icons. And Alex Rodriguez not only saw that dream but also got to live it. Yes! A-Rod once played with his icon, Cal Ripken Jr., in the nineteenth and final All-Star game of his career, back in ’01.
Notably, when the video recently resurfaced on Twitter, baseball fans loved the moment, all while recalling the moment of being there when the iconic game took place.
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What are the fans saying about the iconic moment that Alex Rodriguez became a part of two decades ago?
It was Cal Ripken Jr’s last All-Star game of his career, but in that game, he wasn’t playing at the position he was best at, i.e., shortstop. Therefore, in the video, it can be seen that A-Rod is requesting his icon to play shortstop and let him be at third base.
Showing reluctance at first, Ripken Jr. agreed as Joe Torre also urged him to play shortstop from the dugout.
ARod asks Cal Ripken Jr to move to short, 2001 All Star Game. pic.twitter.com/yn2cwq2eFy
— Baseball In Pics (@baseballinpix) January 3, 2023
I remember this… every part of it.
Man, time really does fly.
— JJCTroy (@JJCTroy) January 4, 2023
I remember that 👏🏼👏🏼
— Beast Mode (@2beastmode1) January 3, 2023
I remember watching this, and thinking it was one of the coolest things ever. As a baseball guy, how could you not love this.
— REGGIE (@ReggieB77) January 4, 2023
Ripken was his idol. Looking back, Cal was almost overshadowed by his own streak. He was an all-timer even without that. Not to mention he revolutionized the position. 6’4 230 SS?
— Daniel Wexler (@WexlerRules) January 4, 2023
I was at this game. Cal legitimately did not want to play SS in this game. But he legitimately did not know this move was coming.
ARod and the other players decided to do it. They were orchestrating a time to do it so it’d be on TV cameras.
It came from a good place.— Thurmon Munson (@ThurmonMunson15) January 4, 2023
I love Ripkin’s performative pushback
— Edwin Ratty (@precogdissonant) January 3, 2023
It was one of the most emotive moments at baseball!!
— Gabriel Cabrera Batista (@gcabrera_24) January 3, 2023
19 all star games? Wow.
— Futuristic Hellscape (@LongtymeL) January 4, 2023
Cal was my absolute fav. I have that 2001 jersey. The patch on it is great. The. Black letters. It’s perfect 90s Orioles.
— DTK (@DJ_raindelay) January 4, 2023
CLASS and respect !!!!!
— Jesse Alm (@mrjessealm) January 4, 2023
Back when it was still great
— Joey Curry (@CurryJoey) January 4, 2023
My favorite non-Phillies player ever, @CalRipkenJr
— Bob Pirri (@BobbyCuz1377) January 4, 2023
I remember watching this as it happened. Great respect
— Rich Pace (@JoseyWalesPace) January 3, 2023
Loved this moment!
— Unacceptable Vern (@Vknopp40) January 3, 2023
Attended this game…great moment! 👏
— Jason (@RocDocs13) January 3, 2023
ARod asks Cal Ripken Jr to move to short, All Star game of the year of our Lord 2001.
— 18th century’s American English (@EEnglis_h) January 4, 2023
Torre was seeing if arod could play 3rd 😂
— BrotherHas (@brotherNYC) January 4, 2023
Joe Torre asks Cal Ripken, through Arod, to move to SS
— Jason Robert (@JasonRobert99) January 4, 2023
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Baseball fans are remembering the moment and enjoying it while saying that behind the scenes, Torre took the handle of what was going to happen in the game. Apparently, it was because Torre just wanted to see how A-Rod plays at first base.
Who won the All-Star game of 2001?
The mid-summer classic of ’01 was the 72nd playing of the game in the history of Major League Baseball. Many great players, including one of the best shortstops of all time, Cal Ripken Jr, played the game. Records made by Ripken Jr. to this day stand in MLB unbreakable records. And in the end, in the game between the American and National League’s All-Star teams, AL’s team took the win.
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Watch this story: From Derek Jeter to Alex Rodriguez: Ranking the richest New York Yankees contracts of all time
What is your first-ever memory of any baseball game from the ballpark? Let us know in the comments below!
