Alex Rodriguez made a triumphant return to Yankee Stadium, drawing enthusiastic cheers during Old-Timers’ Day as the New York Yankees honored the 2009 championship team. This marked Rodriguez’s first appearance at the event since his controversial departure from the team eight years ago.
Following the introduction of captain Derek Jeter last year, Rodriguez was celebrated in a special ceremony that recognized the players from the last Yankees team to win a World Series title.
“I was genuinely surprised to receive an invitation,” Rodriguez expressed at a post-ceremony press conference. “I feel honored and thrilled. I shared the news with my daughters immediately, and it’s truly a great moment for me.”
Rodriguez’s last game was on August 12, 2016, after which he was released to make way for the rising star Aaron Judge. Judge hit a home run in his first at-bat and is on track to become the fourth player in MLB history with three 50-home run seasons, and the first to achieve this within his first nine seasons.
Rodriguez praised Judge, stating, “Aaron is such a unique talent. I love baseball, and I’ve never seen anyone quite like him. He resembles an NFL tight end at 6’7″, 282 pounds, with under 10 percent body fat. He is indeed a physical marvel.”
Jeter also shared his admiration, saying, “I can’t relate to what he’s doing. It’s incredible. He just keeps improving.”
Rodriguez joined the Yankees in 2004 via a trade from Texas, stepping in after current Yankees manager Aaron Boone suffered a torn ACL. Over his 12 seasons with the team, he played in 1,509 of 2,784 games, which included a year-long suspension in 2014.
With a career total of 696 home runs, Rodriguez ranks fourth on the all-time list, trailing only Barry Bonds (762), Hank Aaron (755), and Babe Ruth (714). His Hall of Fame voting percentage recently dropped from 35.7% to 34.8%.
Rodriguez was introduced right after Johnny Damon and just before 2009 World Series MVP Hideki Matsui and 2009 ALCS MVP CC Sabathia, who retired in 2019.
Reflecting on his career, Rodriguez stated, “As I approach 50, I grasp the significance of winning and how challenging it is. Achieving it with such remarkable teammates, a great manager, and an underrated coaching staff is something I treasure. I only have one championship, and I’m grateful to have been part of that team.”
Jeter received the final introduction, reminiscent of the legendary Joe DiMaggio, with a recording of the late public address announcer Bob Sheppard announcing, “Now batting, number two, Derek Jeter.”
Jeter, who ranks sixth on the all-time hits list with 3,465, was celebrated alongside other “Core Four” members: Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte, and Mariano Rivera. Bernie Williams was also recognized after missing last year’s event due to shoulder surgery.
A total of 17 members from the 2009 team were honored, including manager Joe Girardi, who led a Q-and-A session with radio analyst Suzyn Waldman.
This year marked the third consecutive season that the Yankees did not host the old-timers’ game.
Jeter humorously remarked, “I’d be afraid I would hurt myself.”
Alongside the 2009 honorees, members from the 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2000 championship teams were present, along with several players from the 1978 championship squad, including Lou Piniella, Willie Randolph, Roy White, Mickey Rivers, and Bucky Dent.
The event also honored the widows of five-time manager Billy Martin, captain Thurman Munson, and Bobby Murcer, continuing a tradition that began in 1947 with the appearances of legends like Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth.
