Ex-World Champions Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter were undoubtedly two of the best ballplayers in MLB history. The two, however, are also known to share the fiercest rivalry between the players in the game. But before things turned sour, there was a time when Derek and Alex were so close that they would get teased as romantic partners. 

The journey of A-Rod and Jeter’s friendship is beautifully depicted in Captain Clutch’s book, The Life You Imagine: Life Lessons for Achieving Your Dreams. Both former Yankees had spoken about what their friendship meant to them before things took a turn for the bad. 

What did Alex Rodriguez say about Derek Jeter?

Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter had met each other at a college baseball game when A-Rod was still in high school. On the other hand, Jeter had already been drafted by the New York Yankees. Little did the two of them know that the meeting at a baseball game would be the start of something big. The duo’s love for baseball made their friendship grow more robust. And at one point, it was at a stage where if one of them went out, they’d get teased about going to his boyfriend’s house. 

Read More: “Everybody Has Flaws” – Jennifer Lopez’s Once Shared True Feelings on Ex-Boyfriend Alex Rodriguez’s Steroid Scandal

Whenever the two of them were on the field, a hefty competition took place between them. But the scenario was completely different when they were out of the ballpark. Hence, A-Rod played a part in Jeter’s book, where he spoke of their friendship. About the bond that they shared, Alex said, “We want to kill each other. I think we both drive each other and motivate each other. But, when we’re off the field, we’re like family. I think the nice thing about it is we became good friends before we even made it to the big leagues. That makes it more of a healthy relationship.”

This book of Jeter’s was released in early 2000. And as that year concluded, their friendship worsened as Alex signed the most significant contract in MLB history. 

A-Rod ruined it all?

In December 2000, Alex signed a contract of $252 million for ten years with the MLB franchise Texas Rangers. Notably, signing a hefty contract had put Alex in the top spot in the sports world. Then, the 14x All-Star sat for countless interviews. In one of those interviews, he got asked about the player who he thinks could break his record of signing a big contract as he did. 

The answer that came out of his mouth was not expected by anyone. Probably without giving it much thought, A-Rod said that anyone could do it, but not Derek Jeter. After this moment, things started to fall one after the other. And the rest is history.

Watch this Story: Inside the Life of Millionaire Alex Rodriguez balancing work, family and a strict-routine for success

Would you want Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter to return to their status quo one day? Let us know in the comments below!