Why Did MLB Great Alex ‘A-Rod’ Rodriguez Never Play For Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic?

 During his baseball career, Alex Rodriguez was one of the most exciting players to watch. His electric play as both a power hitter and great fielder drew in the crowds. Furthermore, he was extremely competitive and did his best to perform at a high level. With the World Baseball Classic around the corner, people are looking back on A-Rod’s participation in the tournament.

Rodriguez only suited up to play the WBC once, in 2006, while representing Team USA. He played well and got some clutch hits. But many fans wonder why he never represented the Dominican Republic in the Classic despite his strong connection to the country. One MLB insider recently revealed the reason. 

Alex Rodriguez never played for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic

Alex Rodriguez is one of the biggest superstars to have played in the WBC. He played in it once in 2006 for Team USA. Many fans wondered why the baseball star never represented the Dominican Republic despite his roots being there. MLB Insider Hector Gomez has revealed the reason in an Instagram Post. According to Gomez, A-Rod represented the USA at the 2006 WBC, citing his citizenship as a reason. The then-Yankee star was faced with a huge dilemma before eventually representing the United States.

According to a translated version of Gomez’s post, Rodriguez said, “I was born in the United States and I have that citizenship”. This was his reasoning for choosing Team USA in 2006. But in 2009, Rodriguez said, “I’m 100 percent sure that I will play for the Dominican Republic national team”.

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He was going to represent the Dominican Republic in 2009. But a cyst on his hip prevented the Yankee star from playing the 2009 WBC. Rodriguez never suited up for the Dominican Republic and didn’t play in the WBC later in his career. But 2009 was still a great year for him. 

A-Rod achieved his dream in 2009

Alex Rodriguez may not have represented the Dominican Republic in the 2009 WBC, but he achieved another big dream. He won the 2009 World Series with the New York Yankees. It was a lifelong dream for the star and helped cement his legacy as an all-time great. 

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Furthermore, it added to the many achievements he had collected. But he recently snubbed this World Series appearance in favor of another sport. What do you think of the fact that Alex Rodriguez never represented the Dominican Republic in the WBC? Please share your view on the topic down below.