Alex Rodriguez’s New York Yankees career could very well be coming to an end this morning, drawing reflection on his tenure in the Bronx.
Let’s face it: steroids or not, Alex Rodriguez was pretty darn impressive in his first seven years in the Bronx. Discussing a topic hampered with subjectivity is completely illegitimate, but he completely outperformed any PED-driven players of his time.
While his time in the Bronx may be coming to an abrupt close, the two sides appear to have come to a peaceful resolution. Putting Joe Girardi, Brian Cashman, and A-Rod himself in the same room shows that all sides are in agreement.
With that said, there is another thing everyone can agree on. The man has had some pretty substantial moments in pinstripes.
In particular, the three-time AL MVP has had some fairly large home runs. Impacting personal goals and franchise goals, he, a baseball immortal, has achieved a great deal playing in a ballpark with an address reading “E 161st St & River Ave.”
So, without further adieu, let’s take a look at the most significant home runs in pinstripes produced by the legend himself, A-Rod.
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5. Oct. 10, 2009 — A-Rod Ties ALDS Game 2
Expectations were at an all-time high for the New York Yankees entering the 2009 postseason. After a 103-win regular season, they were runaway favorites to take home their 27th World Series title.
With that being said, just as much of a close watch was on their cleanup hitter. Coming off steroid allegations and arthroscopic hip surgery, Rodriguez still managed 30 homers and 100 runs batted in over less than five months (124 games).
However, his previous playoff performances took a toll on any fan’s trust in the superstar.
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A-Rod put all questions to bed in Game 2 of the ALDS. Facing Twins’ closer Joe Nathan as the tying run in the bottom of the ninth inning, he absolutely crushed a 3-1 offering into the right-center field bullpen.
Rather than losing home-field advantage in the series, the Yankees went up two games to nothing — thanks to Mark Teixeira’s 11th inning blast — and eventually swept the series.
For Rodriguez, he finished the magical ’09 postseason with a .365 average, six homers, and 18 RBIs. Without his presence, the Yankees would not have christened their brand new ballpark with a championship.
Next: HR #4
4. Aug. 4, 2007 — No. 500
In an MVP season which saw the third baseman undoubtedly dominate American League pitching, there was one plateau to overcome. Of his 54 homers in 2007, no home run was larger than the one that made him the youngest man to reach 500 career round-trippers.
On a sizzling August afternoon in the Bronx, A-Rod stepped up in the first inning and saw a pitch he liked from Royals starter, Kyle Davies. With the offering right in his wheelhouse, he hooked it just inside the left field foul pole, admiring it as a packed Yankee Stadium crowd went into a frenzy.
Not only did they witness a milestone but they witnessed history. Rodriguez became a full-time player in 1996. It only took him a little more than a decade to reach 500 long balls.
Incredible.
Next: HR #3
3. Aug. 4, 2010 — No. 600
Three years later, same deal. On the three-year anniversary of his 500th home run, Alex Rodriguez decided it was time to crush number 600. Following an extended drought, likely with pressure mounting to reach the mark, he treated 47,659 fans at Yankee Stadium.
Facing Shaun Marcum in the first inning, the man of the hour got a pitch which allowed him to extend his arms. In a vintage A-Rod fashion, he redirected the offering over the wall in dead-center field and into monument park.
Yes, he became the youngest man to reach 600 home runs as well. At that point, it seemed he as if he was on a fast track towards becoming the all-time home run king.
Of course, it is now evident what became of his final 5.5 years with the Yankees. That being the case, it is fun to think about what could have been.
Next: HR #2
2. May 7, 2015 — No. 661
Thinking of what Willie Mays achieved in his career, being mentioned in the same sentence as him is extremely special. How about passing him for fourth place on baseball’s all-time home run list?
That’s what A-Rod accomplished last year, among a plethora of milestones which highlighted a noteworthy bounce-back season.
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Facing Chris Tillman of the Baltimore Orioles, he reached out and seemingly poked one to the deepest part of the ballpark, clearing the fence and moving him into exclusive territory.
Passing a true legend helped define his own legendary status, and will likely be the last large accomplishment attached to his name when he hangs up the cleats.
Most Significant A-Rod HR
1. June 19, 2015 — 3,000
If you ask A-Rod himself, this is quite possibly the highlight of his career. As part of his aforementioned comeback season which sat extremely well with fans, he added a milestone which almost always ensures a place in Cooperstown.
Facing Justin Verlander and the Detroit Tigers, he hit a no-doubter to the opposite field, essentially replicating what Derek Jeter accomplished in 2011. Joining Jeter and Wade Boggs as the only players to play long ball for their respective 3,000th hits, he entered the brilliant club with a bang.
Out of all of the potential ways to pick up number 3,000, he picked it up in the way which fits the script.
One of baseball’s all-time great power hitters needs one hit to reach a career-long goal and does it with a home run.
Emmanuel Berbari covers the New York Yankees & Major League Baseball for ESNY. Interact with him and view his daily work by “liking” his facebook page. He invites you to email any questions, comments, or concerns as well.