Despite Ken Griffey Jr.’s Early Support, Alex Rodriguez Once Joined the Mariners Legend’s Most Hated Team

Alex Rodriguez has a difficult time with friendships. Even though the slugger has matured with age, he openly admits that he has caused hurt to his friends sometimes. Whether it was due to his attitude or decisions, things were never easy for him. In a surprising turn of events, Alex Rodriguez, despite receiving assistance from Ken Griffey Jr.  and sharing a close bond as teammates, made a significant decision that raised eyebrows in the baseball world back in the day. 

Junior and A-Rod had an unstoppable partnership during their time with the Seattle Mariners. While the heavy hitters became close friends, the former also inspired the former immensely. Despite the profound impact Griffey Jr. had on Alex, the question arises: why did Rodriguez choose to go against the odds and make a decision that seemingly contradicted the influence of his close relationship with Junior?

Alex Rodriguez joined the New York Yankees, which Junior never liked

Junior’s father played for the New York Yankees and was a two-time World Champion with them. Still, Junior had a strong dislike for the Yankees and swore to never join them. And when Rodriguez joined them, one can understand how he must have felt. A-Rod was a close friend of Junior’s that time. Their relationship stemmed from similar temperaments when it came to hitting. A-Rod was a big fan. In fact, he joined the Mariners because of his wish to play with Junior. Their relationship is visible in the video that A-Rod posted to give him birthday wishes. Here, Junior gave his bat to Rodriguez, who ended up hitting a massive 3 run home run. But why did Junior dislike the Yankees so much?

The feeling stemmed from a childhood experience wherein he was not allowed to play in the field while another player’s son could. This made him feel discriminated against and left a sour impression on his young mind. So, when Alex joined them, it could have affected their relationship. But it’s all water under the bridge now, as it looks like they both are still as close as ever. During their time together on the field, how did Ken Griffey Jr. assume the role of mentor to Rodriguez?

Junior’s impact on A-Rod’s career

A-Rod joined the Mariners because he wanted to play with Junior and was impressed by his dedication. Ken Griffey Jr. played a pivotal role as a mentor to Alex Rodriguez during the latter’s early years with the Seattle Mariners. As a star player when Rodriguez was drafted, Griffey provided support and guidance to A-Rod as he embarked on his journey with the Mariners. “People forget that he(Ken Griffey Jr.) was the Michael Jordan of baseball for us; he was the face of baseball,” Rodriguez said to ESPN. 

Read more: “Best Teammate and Mentor”: Alex Rodriguez Pays Tribute to Legendary Yankees Nemesis on 54th Birthday

A-Rod even copied the bat that his mentor used and was shocked when he saw that Junior broke his wrist while taking an iconic catch against the Baltimore Orioles. All of this taught A-Rod the importance of total dedication during his rookie years. Now he’s trying to join Junior in the hall of fame. Will the third time be a charm for him? 

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