Alex Rodriguez a picture of humility as he reaches 3,000 hits milestone
A humbled Alex Rodriguez crowned a season of milestones with his 3,000th career hit on Friday and thanked the Yankees and manager Joe Girardi for the chance to come back and play this season.
Rodriguez, who will turn 40 next month and was banned the entire 2014 season for violating Major League Baseball’s doping policy, became the 29th player ever to reach 3,000 hits. The slugger did so fittingly with his 13th home run of the season.
“A year ago today I didn’t know if this day would ever come,” he said after the 7-2 victory over the Detroit Tigers.
I’m grateful. I’m extremely appreciative to the Yankees for giving me an opportunity to put the uniform back on
“There were some really dark days. I got to tell you I’m really grateful for Joe Girardi. He’s given me every opportunity.
“I’m grateful. I’m extremely appreciative to the Yankees for giving me an opportunity to put the uniform back on.”
A-Rod’s return was primarily a business decision, as the team owed him US$64 million for the last three years of a contract that had made him MLB’s highest paid player.
But Rodriguez has made the Bronx Bombers happy to have him as he has exceeded all expectations at the plate and helped the Yankees (37-30) contend in the American League East.