Alex Rodriguez is one of the most celebrated MLB names to date. His PED scandal has downed his glory a little, but his achievements and milestones can’t be denied. Though he had played for several teams, fans remember him as the Yankees legend, and the player once shared his opinion on how he has cemented his name.
A-Rod was part of the last World Championship-winning New York Yankees team. Despite his numerous other achievements, the legend is still remembered for the highest honor he received in his career and even greeted for that. Years after that glorious moment, the former third-baseman of the team shared his perspective on this issue.
Alex Rodriguez Shared His Perspective on Becoming a Yankees Legend
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Though the 14x All-Star began his journey with the Seattle Mariners, he came to the Yankees in 2004. Most of his biggest achievements were with the Yanks, including the 2009’s biggest event. Besides that, he had 50 Home Run records, several MVP awards, and many other memorable achievements and legendary records. But according to the legend, whenever fans meet him in New York, they say, “Hey, thanks for the 09.”
A-Rod never really opened up on these issues, except for once when he sat with his long-time friend David Ortiz and his co-host for an interview. He presented his perspective on this issue. The former shortstop mentioned he has cemented his name as a Yankees legend, “No, I think ’09, ’09 cemented everything for me. I mean you know, it?s funny, you think about all the great things you?ve done as an individual, but people remember winning and how you make them feel.”
The former Yankees legend thinks people only care for the wins, the moments they felt proud. So, they don’t care about his other achievements or the teams he played for previously. His World Series was with the Yankees that overshadowed everything else for the fans. To support his statement, he mentioned, “when I walk around New York there?s not a day that goes by that someone doesn’t say, ?Hey thanks for 09?. Nobody said, hey thanks for the 50 Home Runs. Thanks for ’09 because people do not forget?Champions.?
In this interview, Rodriguez talked about his several other desires, and one of them included his desire to play against Derek Jeter.
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Alex Rodriguez Wanted to Play Against Derek Jeter
At one point, the Yankees icon was asked if he would join the Red Sox in 2004, what he thought would be different. Without a moment’s hesitation, he answered he would play as a shortstop, and it would be a great experience to play against Derek Jeter. Also, he even mentioned he would probably get a few more World Series Championships.
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Derek Jeter and A-Rod played against each other for quite a few years, and the latter think playing against each other while in the Red Sox “would have made a really cool story for baseball.” Though these legends formed an iconic combination while playing together, A-Rod still wanted Jeter as an opponent.
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