But owner Hal Steinbrenner told him on August 3 the end was at hand, and Rodriguez said last Sunday he had accepted an offer to play one final home game and then become a team adviser through 2017, tasked with mentoring young players.
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“It is going to be tough to top that”.
Alex Rodriguez was unconditionally released Saturday by the New York Yankees, ending his 12 years in pinstripes and perhaps his big league career after 22 seasons.
New York Yankees’ Alex Rodriguez acknowledges the crowd as he walks onto the field for a ceremony prior to his final baseball game with the team Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays in New York. “I don’t know where his head is on that”. “But like I’ve always said, you don’t have to be defined by your mistakes”.
“If this is the last time he plays”, Girardi said softly, pausing for 10 seconds and sniffling as his voice cracked and his eyes teared, “I wanted it to be something he never forgot”. “I disappointed a lot of people but this feels good”, Rodriguez said after the game. “I know he has a contract to work with us as a kind of special assistant, but there was nothing that said – that’s the way I heard it from Cash (GM Brian Cashman) – that he couldn’t play”. “I may have a couple cocktails tonight, so I may not wake up at game time tomorrow”. As a parting gift, Hal’s sister Jennifer Steinbrenner presented Rodriguez with a base signed by his teammates. Where does Rodriguez fit for a National League club that won’t enjoy the use of the designated hitter? And the most genuine thing about Rodriguez, professionally, is that he loves, loves, loves to play baseball. In the bottom of the ninth, the Orioles’ Chris Hoiles hit an “ultimate grand slam” with the O’s down by three, two outs and a 3-2 count to give the Birds a dramatic walk-off win.
“I worked hard at trying to comeback”, said Rodriguez. If you would like to discuss another topic, look for a relevant article. His 696 blasts rank fourth all time behind Barry Bonds (762), Hank Aaron (755) and Babe Ruth (714).
After all these years, Alex Rodriguez still can’t handle the truth. Instead of waiting, the Yankees forced his hand as part of their ongoing a roster overhaul.
The now ex-New York Yankee was joined by Jamie Foxx, Spike Lee and his girlfriend Anne Wojcicki at the star-studded bash at the hot West Village nightspot, Up&Down.
Mattingly spent four seasons (2004-07) as a Yankees coach so he is very familiar with Rodriguez as well as having an established relationship.
Rodriguez has played only one game at first base in his career. News stories displayed here appear in our category for Sports and are licensed via a specific agreement between LongIsland.com and The Associated Press, the world’s oldest and largest news organization.
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Granted, that slap is softened by the fact the Yankees are on the hook to pay him what remains of his $21-million-a-year contract this season, and $21 million next season, when he’ll take on an “advisory” role in the front office.
