Alex Rodriguez was once given valuable advice about staying humble even after finding success as a player
Alex Rodriguez is not only a former famous baseball player but also a very successful businessman.
However, the Yankees legend remains humble and grounded. Rodriguez, in his biography "Alex Rodriguez" by Michael V. Uschan (that came out in 2011), revealed how he was able to remain humble.
The book was made to inspire young adults. It describes the struggles Rodriguez had during his childhood and how he grew to be the person he is today. Rodriguez expressed his thoughts on his legacy and remembered words that his mother said to him:
"Money and fame are like dust. You aren't worth anything if you don't stay the same person you were before you had them."
His mother's words were what echoed in his mind when he thought about what he wanted his legacy to be.
Alex Rodriguez slaps the ball out of Bronson Arroyo’s glove during the 2004 ALCS https://t.co/SKe87D4qrV
Aaron Rodriguez has managed to achieve everything his mother wanted him to. He is part of several major charities and is a well-known philanthropist. His fans would agree that his legacy of being kind and humble will continue on.
When Alex Rodriguez was asked what his legacy would be
In the same book, Alex Rodriguez spoke about how in 2010, he was asked by a reporter what he thought his legacy would be. Rodriguez expressed his thoughts on the question in detail.
The book describes how great of a player Rodriguez is, and that he has enough merit to get into the Hall of Fame. But like Barry Bonds, PED accusations in his past will forever mar Rodriguez's chances.
Rodriguez described the feelings of having a controversial career, one that was marred by such a scandal. Even with such anxious thoughts, he gave a precise answer to the reporter's question:
"I don't think about what legacy you have when you're still playing. I think that's something you consider when your career is over with."
The former Yankees third baseman has indeed made his words a reality. Rodriguez played with the Yankees until the 2016 season before retiring from the game.
Alex Rodriguez (20)
Walk-Off 🚨
Opponent: Boston Red Sox
Pitcher: Junichi Tazawa
Date: 8/7/09 https://t.co/pJiL6ZinzS
Then, in the 2022 Hall of Fame election, Alex Rodriguez was selected for the first time. He got 34.3 percent of the votes, not nearly enough to get in, but still impressive considering the polarizing views people have of him.