Alex Rodriguez is possibly one of the most famous New York Yankees players. But while his relationship with the diamond has been pretty fruitful, the same cannot always be said about the off-field stances. The Dominican had a rocky ending with the Yanks, there was talk of tension going on. Rumors suggested that in 2016, when Rodriguez wasn’t in his best form, the team decided to hurry his exit from the roster. While none parties have spoken, the fact that A-Rod said, “I was actually surprised that I got an invitation,” at the Old Timers event, says a lot!

Alex Rodriguez’s relationship wasn’t just patchy with the team, but also with some of the renowned team members like Derek Jeter. Many fans deemed A-Rod a ‘villain’ at one point because of his unsolicited comments and jibes at Derek Jeter. But now, it seems like all is good in the hood as Jeter and Alex were seen talking and bonding at the recent Old-Timers event. Derek even playfully joked that Rodriguez wears his Yankees jersey all the time! 

All good between Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter!

Alex Rodriguez was surprised to be invited to the event; it was his first time attending the Old-Timers event. This time around, the team was honoring everyone who helped them clench the 2009 win, and Alex, being a huge part of the win, was of course present. Along with him, even Derek Jeter was present, and while things were already weird enough with the “surprise” comment, Jeter went ahead to lighten the mood when the next question was posed. When A-Rod was asked when he last wore the pinstripes, he paused to answer. But Derek Jeter answered humorously for him, saying, “He wears it at home all the time.” 

The comment by Derek Jeter highlights two things, first unlike how others deem the duo a ‘rivals’–it isn’t like that anymore. Secondly, it shows how much Rodriguez values the Yankees. Alex Rodriguez further replied, “I’ve been back broadcasting for FOX and some of my work with ESPN, but I think just back in the fold with the uniform on, I think is pretty unique. And it’s my first time back and I’m excited to be back. I’m very proud of my time in New York and I’m very proud to be part of a champion team. So, happy to be back.”

Now, the question remains whether the Yankees will ever retire his jersey number to honor him. And as far as the plague at Monument Park is concerned, A-Rod says he would love to be in, but that’s not his decision to make. He noted, “I would love to be in, but obviously that’s not my decision. But I honor everything about the New York Yankees, and it would be an honor.” The entire vibe of the place, with Jeter joking and Alex Rodriguez reverting to his jokes, shows that time can heal even the deepest of rifts. Plus, if Kobe and Shaq can do it, so can Jeter and A-Rod! However, that’s not to say the drama between them wasn’t intense – because it was fierce!

When Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez began their career, they were BFFs, believe it or not. But things took off on a wrong turn over the period. They first met at a college baseball game and further cemented their relationship a year later, when both of them were playing for the minor league. And soon after their debut in the big league, they became some of the most notable names. At one point, their friendship became so solid that Jeter’s former teammate even joked when the Yankees faced Rodriguez’s Mariners in 1998, stating, “Are you going to your boyfriend’s house?” But things soon took a sour turn!

When Alex Rodriguez signed the whopping $252 million contract with the Texas Rangers, he made a comment that showed that cracks had formed in their relationship. A-Rod told ESPN, “Even a guy like Derek, it’s going to be hard for him to break that because he just doesn’t do the power numbers, and defensively he doesn’t do all those things.” But Derek Jeter brushed off the comment- saying it wasn’t interested in breaking records, but tensions were visible. Then in 2001, A-Rod deepened the rift by saying that Jeter “never had to lead” in his baseball career.

Fast-forward to 04’ and they became teammates when A-Rod’s shifted to the New York Yankees. This was the first time the duo, once friends–were playing side by side. Although they both retired just two years from each other. Since then, Alex Rodriguez has acknowledged that his relationship has had its highs and lows, but mutual respect is what they have for each other. This respect was on full display at the Old-Timers event, not just between A-Rod and Jeter, but with the entire Yankees team.