Alex Rodriguez has adapted well to his pinstripes. Since a career in sports doesn’t last forever, A-Rod, even with his almost 700 HRs, has taken up the role of a businessman after retirement from the New York Yankees. But given his multitude of positions, if one were to ask him his favorite job in the world, Rodriguez would say ‘father’ without a doubt.

Vowing to be better than his own absent dad, Rodriguez’s love for his daughters shows in almost every public appearance. Somehow, the 48-year-old smoothly mentions them in every conversation and if that isn’t sweet, what is? But for all the support that he shows his daughters, the former slugger had one non-negotiable condition to let his eldest pursue her dream career.

Alex Rodriguez Had One Condition to Let His Daughter Pursue a BFA

Natasha Rodriguez is as talented as her dad, even if their fields are miles apart. Hoping to study musical theater after graduating from high school, the teen went to Michigan State University. It initially took some coaxing from her dad and a little help from an NHL legend.

But Natasha will head to Tom Brady and Derek Jeter‘s alma mater in the fall. But their renowned BFA program isn’t the only reason Rodriguez agreed to it.

Ever the supportive father, A-Rod has always spoken about letting one’s kids follow their passions. No profession has a guaranteed success rate in this world. But with something like baseball, every athlete knows their time is limited. The same goes for the field of arts, especially musical theater.

Just like Rodriguez fell back on the trusty business profession, he wants the same for his daughter. Always be prepared with a backup plan if it’s ever needed, he seems to say.

READ MORE – Alex Rodriguez’s Teenage Daughter Natasha Shows Just What the University of Michigan Will be Gaining When She Joins Them

“My only condition is because all these young actors want to bypass college and I’m always saying, like, ‘You can [study] drama, you can do whatever you want, but as long as you’re taking your business classes at Michigan; they have a great business school,’” the retired slugger told US Magazine recently.

As the Rodriguez family gets ready for the big change, are they prepared?

A-Rod and Ella Are Getting a Taste of Life for the Next 4 Years

In the same interview, Rodriguez mentions how an overnight trip made him realize the absence that Natasha, being away at college, will cause. While he is incredibly proud, he will still miss his oldest daughter immensely. The same goes for the younger one.

“I think, for the most part, she’s definitely like all of us: Very sad and proud that Natasha’s going to Michigan,” he says. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if loving families could always stay together? But at the end of the day, everyone has their own lives to live.

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Let’s hope Natasha and Ella are each as successful as their dad!