Alex Rodriguez “A-Rod”

Alex Rodriguez, often known simply as ‘A-Rod’, compiled one of the greatest careers in MLB history. Over a span of 22 seasons, from 1994 to 2016, A-Rod was also one of the most polarizing athletes in the world. Although he retired following the 2016 season, he remains a household name due to the impact he had on the game and his decision to stay active in the sports media world.

Rodriguez was the first overall pick in the 1993 MLB Draft, selected by the Seattle Mariners. He’d spend the first 7 years of his career with the Mariners, making multiple All-Star teams and establishing himself as one of the future stars of baseball. In his final three seasons with the Mariners, he eclipsed the 40 home-run mark each season.

Eventually, he left for the Texas Rangers and a massive 10-year, $252 million dollar contract. He would spend three seasons with the Rangers before being dealt to the New York Yankees in a 2004 blockbuster. The deal was centered around Rodriguez in exchange for Alfonso Soriano. A-Rod agreed to switch positions, moving from shortstop to third base, in order to finalize the trade. The Yankees already rostered Derek Jeter, who would continue to man the shortstop position for New York moving forward.

A-Rod spent the remaining 12 years of his MLB career with the Yankees, becoming one of the faces of the most successful franchise in MLB history. He would eventually capture the World Series ring that had evaded him early in his career during the 2009 season.

Accolades

Alex Rodriguez has a long list of accolades and awards earned over the course of his 22 year MLB career.

All-Star game appearances (14)

A 14 time All-Star, Rodriguez earned this honor during his time with each of the three franchises he played for. He was an all-star as both a shortstop and a third basemen during his career.

Silver Sluggers (10)

From 1996 to 2008, A-Rod took home 10 of a possible 13 Silver Slugger awards.

Gold Gloves – (2)

Rodriguez won the American League Gold Glove in the 2002 and 2003 seasons as a shortstop with the Rangers.

Most Valuable Player (3)

The ultimate individual player award for a single season, Alex Rodriguez took home three MVP’s during his illustrious playing career. Those awards came in 2003, 2005, and 2007. In 2007, he won 97% of MVP votes, the highest share of his career.

World Series Championships (1)

Following the 2009 MLB season, Rodriguez and the Yankees went on to win the World Series over the Philadelphia Phillies. It would be the only World Series ring of A-Rod’s storied career.

All Time Rankings

A-Rod ranks among the all-time greats in a plethora of categories.

Home-runs – 4th (696)

Runs Batted In – 4th (2,086)

Hits – 22nd (3,115)

Runs Scored – 8th (2,021)

Controversy

A-Rod spent the 2014 season serving suspension for violating Major League Baseball’s anti-doping policy, a smear on his record that was hard to overcome. After years and years of dominating professional baseball, and showing a certain amount of brash and arrogance while doing it, many fans turned on Rodriguez when it came out that he was using steroids.

He would play two more seasons upon returning to baseball, but wasn’t nearly the same player due to his age.

A-Rod has since publicly discussed how hard it was for him becoming the villain, and he has truly bounced back following his playing days. He is currently one of the most respected announcers calling baseball games on national television, bringing his charming personality, baseball intelligence, and years of high-level playing experience to the broadcasting booth and to viewers.