While the fans laughed at Alex Rodriguez’s joke about his number retirement, it did have a hint of regret in it. For years Rodriguez has expressed his wish of seeing his number retired by the New York Yankees. But due to their topsy-turvy relationship and his past PED use, things haven’t been particularly simple for A-Rod. But then there’s still time for Rodriguez to get his wish.

Don La Greca answered a caller during a recent episode of The Michael Kay Show. The question was simple – why is Alex Rodriguez not in the Hall of Fame or getting accolades when David Ortiz is? Mitchell Report had named Ortiz but the fans never questioned him as hard as others. So if Ortiz could get in despite having an alleged connection with the controversy, why not Rodriguez?

“I really believe that when it comes to PEDs, it’s a popularity contest. Everybody loves David Ortiz,” La Greca said. “So he was on the Mitchell report and he never tested positive so he probably didn’t do anything so let’s waltz him into the Hall-of-Fame.” La Greca explained how Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens didn’t get in because they weren’t media savvy. But that’s where Rodriguez is different. 

“He’s changed his image, he’s not prickly as he was when he was a player,” Don Le Greca said about Rodriguez. “He’s done all the right things since he’s retired from the game. Working for Fox, he worked for ESPN. He’s helped the Yankees out…Been welcomed back to the Yankees despite the fact that he sued the Yankees.” So would it surprise anyone if Alex Rodriguez gets his shirt retired? 

According to La Greca, the situation has shifted from being an “if” to a “when” for A-Rod. However, it can’t happen right away because “wounds are a little too fresh.”

Lawsuits, PEDS, and anger – Alex Rodriguez’s story with the New York Yankees

The first cracks in the relationship between the New York Yankees and Alex Rodriguez showed up during the 2013 season. A-Rod faced investigations regarding PED usage. But at the same time, he sued the Yankees doctor for misdiagnosing his left hip injury. Though the Bronx Bombers weren’t named, the damage was done.

Then the bombshell announcement came – the league had suspended Alex Rodriguez for 162 games. That made it even more difficult for the Yankees to even think about retiring Rodriguez’s number. Later controversies surrounded A-Rod’s retirement too. The superstar was just 4 home runs short of 700 but had to retire before touching that milestone.  All of this led to the New York Yankees’ relationship continuously souring with their superstar.

However, since his retirement A-Rod has worked hard to mend these relationships. Though the star has failed to get the Hall-of-Fame nod thrice, he hopes that he’ll get his wish soon. As for his shirt number retiring – maybe it can happen but it won’t happen immediately.