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Affectionately known as Mr. Tomato, Paul DiMare Sr., a groundbreaker in the Tomato industry, passed away at the age of 81 on December 30th, 2022. Following his death, mentee and co-entrepreneur Alex Rodriguez shared an extremely heartfelt message for the leader of DiMare Fresh through a post on Instagram.

Funnily, this bond maintained and powered through, despite Paul DiMare being a massive Boston Red Sox fan. And given the long storied rivalry between the New York Yankees and Boston, it added increased substance to the alluring bond the 2009 Yankees World Champion shared with Paul DiMare.

Alex Rodriguez shares an unfeigned message for mentor and hero, and a BoSox fan, Paul DiMare Sr.

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Taking to Instagram, A-Rod introduced Mr. Tomato, and said, “Paul DiMare was my friend, mentor and hero. He was a giant in every aspect of life. Brilliant businessman, mogul, titan of the ag industry? the title he preferred was farmer.”

Talking about Farmer, as dubbed by the former Yankees’ baseman from 2004 to 2016, A-Rod said, “He?s always had the heart of a pioneer.”

 

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A post shared by Alex Rodriguez (@arod)

Moreover, Alex Rodriguez spoke about the kind of person Paul DiMare was, the kind of impact created by his family in helping people, and “countless numbers of kids and organizations.”

Read More: Michael Jordan, Who Drove $3 Billion in Shoe Sales at His Peak, Once Influenced MLB Great Alex Rodriguez to Pick Up an Addictive Habit

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Finally, A-Rod penned their last meeting, where the pair discussed Farmer’s favorite four subjects, where a BoSox mention found its way, but not a common consensus. A-Rod narrated the incident: “It was magical. We talked about all of his favorite subjects? Swanee, his 4 boys, his faith, history, sports, the University of Miami, politics, and of course the Red Sox (his favorite team). That?s one thing we didn?t see eye to eye on.”

via Getty

Another common thread between the two was their roots in the University of Miami. On a concluding note, Alex Rodriguez said, “I love you. I miss you. I honor you. And I thank you.”

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What are your thoughts on this wholehearted A-Rod wrote for his mentor and hero? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.