Saturday at Yankee Stadium was special for the Yankees.
It was their 76th Old Timers’ Day and a celebration of the 2009 World Series team. CC Sabathia and Alex Rodriguez made their first appearances.
A-Rod got a huge cheer from the crowd when introduced:
Welcome back, @AROD 👏#YANKSonYES
— YES Network (@YESNetwork)
“I was surprised to be invited. Honored and happy. I told my daughters right away, and it’s thrilling,” A-Rod shared about his debut. “It’s nice to be back. I’m proud of my time in New York and being part of a championship team.”
Rodriguez’s history with the Yankees is complex. He ranks high in home runs and WAR but also faced a yearlong suspension for performance-enhancing drugs in 2014, during which he threatened legal action against MLB, the Yankees, and their doctor—though he later dropped it.
Old Timers’ Day Highlights:
The Yankees wouldn’t have won the 2009 World Series without A-Rod’s stellar performance: .365/.500/.808 with six homers and 18 RBIs over 15 games. Although Sabathia was ALCS MVP and Matsui took World Series MVP, A-Rod shined brightest that October.
Fans might wonder if this means Rodriguez could one day join Monument Park as an honored Yankee. He has returned often as a broadcaster but never in such a ceremonial role until now.
Rodriguez expressed his thoughts on possibly being inducted into Monument Park: “I’ve thought about it…I would love to be in, but it’s not my decision.”
Some former Yankees like David Cone and Lou Piniella think he belongs there too. Others like Jeter, Sabathia, and Posada were non-committal on the topic. Jeter simply said, “I don’t make those decisions.”
Even with his rocky past with the team, A-Rod wouldn’t be alone in having a complicated legacy honored by the Yankees. Billy Martin had multiple stints as manager despite controversial moments yet still had his number retired.
The team could honor Rodriguez without retiring No. 13 immediately; others like Paul O’Neill waited years before receiving such honors.
For now, Hal Steinbrenner and top executives will decide on any future recognitions for A-Rod within Monument Park.
What do you think? Should they honor him?
