Battling some harsh times during his 22-season-long career with the Yankees, Alex Rodriguez faces the heat again. It is no secret that A-Rod has left a legendary legacy behind which cannot be matched easily. Despite facing dark days, the respect he has for his 13-numbered jersey is not one to question. As of today, seeing that same jersey on someone other than Rodriguez himself has triggered some uneasiness for him. 

At a time he vocalized about how he felt seeing another man in the same pinstripes he once wore, he faced some mixed reactions. While demanding a retirement of his number might be a big ask according to some, one must not forget what he did for New York in 2009. Yet this does not spare him the scrutiny. 

Alex Rodriguez’s opinion on Joey Gallo wearing number 13

There has been an ongoing debate after the 48-year-old spoke up about Joey Gallo, the 2021-acquired player, now wearing his number 13. On Thursday, Alex Rodriguez revealed to WFAN’s Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber that “Yeah, of course, it bothers me”. While the 3X AL MVP believes that the importance of the 2009 World Series not be undermined, he wishes to be placed in one of the coolest times of the history of the Yankees. He however modulates saying that the ball is in the organization’s court. He even added, “I’m too critical to the Yankees, and that doesn’t help my case. But I get paid to tell the truth. I want my number retired. If it’s not retired, so be it”. This probed into another desire that the 10X Silver Slugger Award winner has. 

Rodriguez also expressed his wish to have his number immortalized in Monument Park, the famous spot where the Yankees honor their icons. He did concede, though, that this may be difficult because of his job as a FOX TV commentator, where he avoids giving too much away. While what the mega-franchise does about A-Rod’s predicament is still in question, he addressed the fans.

The host asked Rodriguez for his opinion on whether supporters would embrace the notion of retiring his number. With that, Rodriguez was given another perspective, another scenario to answer in. Considering that the Yankees’ World Series drought persists, it would make their 2009 championship even more memorable. But then Rodriguez spoke like a true Yankee. He said that his goal is for the club to win.

Fans react to A-Rod’s demand

With these statements from one of the most controversial Yankees out in the open, it was time for the fans to speak up. Some seconded Rodriguez’s desire and spoke in favor, while some others threw shade at him owing to his tough days during his tenure. 

One fan wasn’t shy about letting him know how he fared during his tenure.

Some said that the Yankees hate him, especially thanks to his involvement in the recent PED investigation.

There were few who highlighted that Alex Rodriguez was indeed a good player.

Some fans called him a “complicated one”. With that, the fans did not support his demand. 

On the contrary to that comment, there was another fan who appreciated A-Rod’s contributions. 

Though there are mixed reactions about the 2009 Series winner’s demand, he evidently talks from the point of view of securing the untaintedness of his legacy. 

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While the organization has not commented on whether the number would be retired or not, the fans continue to debate, some for and some against. What do you think? Should Rodriguez’s number be retired?

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