Old Timers’ Day at Yankee Stadium saw a mix of familiar and new faces, but Alex Rodriguez’s presence was particularly notable due to his tumultuous history with the Yankees.
Rodriguez, whose relationship with the team has been fraught with ups and downs, expressed surprise and gratitude for his invitation to the event. He joined other members of the 2009 Yankees championship team in a ceremony marking the 15th anniversary of their World Series victory.
During the event, Rodriguez sat alongside key figures from the 2009 team, including Derek Jeter, A.J. Burnett, Mariano Rivera, and Joe Girardi. The group shared reflections on their championship season and discussed the current Yankees players like Aaron Judge.
Jeter lightened the mood with a few jokes, while all attendees donned Yankees home jerseys. For Rodriguez, this was a special moment as it marked his first time back in a Yankees uniform since his final game in August 2016.
Rodriguez reflected on his return to the Yankees’ fold and expressed pride in his achievements with the team, including the 2009 championship. He conveyed a sense of fulfillment and excitement about reconnecting with the Yankees and being part of the celebrated 2009 team again. Rodriguez noted that wearing the uniform was a unique and joyful experience for him.
The possibility of Rodriguez being honored with a plaque at Monument Park was mentioned. Although he expressed a strong desire to be recognized in such a manner, he acknowledged that the decision was beyond his control. Rodriguez’s Yankees career included significant achievements, such as two MVP awards and 351 home runs, which support his potential inclusion in Monument Park.
Despite Rodriguez’s impressive on-field accomplishments, his tenure with the Yankees was marred by off-field controversies, including admissions of steroid use and a suspension related to the Biogenesis scandal.
The Yankees also notably reassigned his jersey number, No. 13, to another player not long after his retirement. Nonetheless, Rodriguez was warmly received during the Old Timers’ Day event, and his contributions to the 2009 World Series win were celebrated by his former teammates and fans.
