“I Thought..”: Despite Childhood Friendship, Alex Rodriguez Stumped With Personal Derek Jeter Question, But Stranger Surprises With Right Answer

The tale of Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez is not a new one. A saga of youngsters finding their way in a world of adults, each wanting to impress. Their story had to do with baseball, where unfortunately individual talent will only take one so far. Derek Jeter experienced immense team success early on, while Alex Rodriguez didn’t. In a fit of jealousy, the latter retaliated, and the bonds of friendship were irreparably damaged.

A-Rod and Captain Clutch did not redefine the meaning of friendship, sure. But with an almost brother-like relationship before 2001, they were close enough to be teased as boyfriends. Today, each says they’re back to being friends, although of course not as close as before if their discomfort on camera is any sign. Apparently, even after all these years, the two don’t know each other as well as they thought.

A Perfect Stranger Surpasses Alex Rodriguez With Derek Jeter Knowledge

Sports stars often grow up idolizing a player and mold themselves after their play. Sometimes, inspiration comes from a family member who motivates them to become the best version of themselves. Derek Jeter was no different. The former New York Yankees captain has publicly spoken about how he idolized Dave Winfield growing up, and how the two are friends today. But an Instagram story posted by Jeter said differently.

Appearing on FOX Sports as an MLB analyst for the postseason alongside A-Rod, Jeter was treated to a revelation yesterday. Max Goodwin, ace mentalist, guest starred on the MLB crew’s segment, leaving them amazed by his skills. When Goodwin asked Jeter to think of a childhood hero, he never thought the mentalist would guess it. Goodwin wrote the name on a piece of paper, showing it to the camera and Rodriguez.

The former Yankees slugger seemed reluctant to say if it was correct because he had a different name in mind. “Everyone knows, ’cause we know Derek,'” A-Rod told Goodwin. But then Jeter spoke the words, “Grandfather William Sonny Conners,” and everyone was well and truly stumped. Because the mentalist’s sheet had that exact name written down.

The retired Captain Clutch took a walk around the room in disbelief, while Rodriguez told Goodwin, “I thought he was gonna say, Dave Winfield. That’s why I said no. How did you know that? That was crazy!” It was indeed a wildly absurd guess because it was correct. But it also showed that the former Yankees’ third baseman didn’t know his shortstop all that well. Goodwin, essentially a stranger, did.

Max Goodwin Leaves David Ortiz Bewildered As He Goes Down Memory Lane

Goodwin proved his talent with not just one guess but multiple answers. A question that he possibly could not have known the answer to was ex-BoSox player David Ortiz’s first crush. When the Red Sox legend searched his memory and decided on an answer, Goodwin took a guess at the initial letter.

Deciding an answer of his own, he wrote ‘Malta’ on the paper. In a mind-blowing moment, Big Papi uttered the same name. The cameras showed everyone with their mouths hanging open, as was likely anyone who watched the clip.

READ MORE – 2 Years Before Fox Sports Role Alongside Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez Ended Longstanding Feud With Iconic Message: “One of the Greatest…”

It wasn’t that the mentalist just took random guesses. He named names from decades past, correctly!

WATCH THIS STORY – “Thrilled to Call You a Teammate Once Again”: Fox Analyst Alex Rodriguez Gets Real on Reuniting With Derek Jeter For an MLB Season