Alex ‘A-Rod’ Rodriguez Once Faced a Massive Loss of $45 Million In A year- “I’ve A Ph.D in Failing”

Alex ‘A-Rod’ Rodriguez may be one of the most storied stars from MLB. With a career that has seen highs and lows altogether, perhaps looking back has afforded A-Rod some perspective on his career. The former Worl Series Champion with the New York Yankees in 2009 spoke at an event about how his year suspended from the sport made him the man that he is today. And isn’t that why we love sports? It’s not about falling, it’s about that shot at redemption.

Alex Rodriguez burst onto the scene as a young superstar on the Seattle Mariners before making his way to the Texas Rangers on a bumper contract. However, despite incredible individual performances he saw no team glory come his way and opted for a switch to the Bronx instead before completing his contract. The switch made him the highest-paid player in MLB again, but the best and worst were yet to come.

Read More: Alex ‘A-Rod’ Rodriguez Once Saved an 8-Year-Old Fan From a Life Threatening Accident Putting Himself in Danger

While success followed with the New York Yankees, by winning the World Series, MLB also suspended Rodriguez for the 2014 season. And if he is to be heard, this is the year that made him who he is today.

Alex ‘A-Rod’ Rodriguez talks about losing $45 million

Speaking at a business conference in 2019, the slugger, fresh from his retirement in 2016, told the audience what the year was like. Said A-Rod, “The suspension cost me north of $45 million, probably more,” he added, however, that, “it was worth every penny.”

Dealing with it step by step, Rodriguez, took the suspension hard. However, coming out of the other end, Rodriguez realized he need to take accountability for his actions. And that would mean speaking to all his well-wishers so far. Including family, close friends, and business partners too. And it took Rodriguez a lot of time to come to terms too. Something that he thought would take him 2 weeks ended up taking up a lot more.

Said A-Rod, “It took about six months to build the courage. I would pick up the phone and hang it up, pick up the phone and hang it up.”

But A-Rod maintains he is better because of those calls. He believes that every one of those phone calls has led to stronger friendships afterward, and it taught him an important business lesson. Turmoil is a part of the business. Success, however, is defined by how you respond to it.

A-Rod believes in the indomitability of the human spirit. The ability to get back up despite being knocked down several times. “I say that I have a Ph.D. in failing, and a Master’s in getting back up,” he added.

Watch This Story: Simone Biles Kick-Starts Opening Day for Her Favorite Team Houston Astros Against Los Angeles Angels

But what do you think Rodriguez’s legacy in the game is? Do you agree with the athlete? Is the game about getting back up every time you’re knocked down?