Anthony Gruppuso, USATSI

Alex Rodriguez capped off his illustrious New York Yankees career in the most fitting of ways.

  • Tampa Bay Rays: 3 (46-68)
  • New York Yankees: 6 (59-56)
  • American League, FINAL, Box Score
  • Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY

After much speculation as to whether skipper Joe Girardi would pull through, Alex Rodriguez ended his Yankee career — and quite possibly his baseball career — in style.

With the Yanks leading 6-3 in the ninth, A-Rod took third base for the first time since May of 2015.

Soon thereafter — one out into the frame — he was lifted and received a standing ovation as he hugged his teammates near the first base dugout.

Following the final out of the ballgame, he was given some alone time on the diamond as he soaked in and cherished his final minutes in pinstripes.

The 41-year-old went 1-4 with a first-inning RBI double which ignited a packed house in the Bronx. He will be released effective immediately.

A career filled with love and hate, hope and despair, admiration and desperation has come to a thrilling finish. Now, a baseball icon enters a brand new chapter.

NEXT: The Greatest Farewells In New York Yankees History