Alex Rodriguez recounts 2004 brawl during tense New York Yankees game in Boston: "I’ve been in one fight in my life, at Fenway"
Controversial former New York Yankees player Alex Rodriguez is all set for the upcoming Professional Fighters League (PFL) season.
Although not a fighter himself, A-Rod purchased a minority stake in the league last May with a $30 million investment. As such, fans are wondering about the extent of Rodriguez's own experience in the ring.
In a recent piece for Sports Illustrated, writer Justin Barrasso sat down with Alex Rodriguez to discover if the three-time MVP Award winner is a fighter himself, or just a fan.
“I’ve been in one fight in my life, which was well heralded, at Fenway.”
@AROD discussed the PFL with @JustinBarrasso trib.al/RvAbfD2
"“I’ve been in one fight in my life, which was well heralded, at Fenway.” @AROD discussed the PFL with @JustinBarrasso" - Sports illustrated
When asked if he saw any semblance of himself among the pro fighters, Rodriguez recounted a tense game during a July 2004 game against the Boston Red Sox.
Rodriguez, who was then a member of the New York Yankees, ignited a bench-clearing brawl after he offered some choice words to Red Sox pitcher Bronson Arroyo.
Upon hearing A-Rod's chirping of his pitcher, Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek began shoving Rodriguez on the first-base line. What happened next can only be described as total anarchy.
July 24, 2004: Boston’s Bronson Arroyo plunks Alex Rodriguez, leading to a fight between A-Rod & Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek. https://t.co/Pf7lthyLgL
"July 24, 2004: Boston’s Bronson Arroyo plunks Alex Rodriguez, leading to a fight between A-Rod & Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek." - This Day in Sports Clips
The Boston Red Sox went on to win the 2004 World Series and continue to be referred to as one of the most stacked teams in modern baseball history. The Red Sox and Yankees met again in the 2004 postseason, with the Sox winning the ALCS by a series score of 4-1.
The 2004 season was also A-Rod's first with the New York Yankees. The then-27 year old hit 47 home runs and 118 RBIs the year prior as a member of the Texas Rangers. The trade came only four years after Rodriguez signed a deal worth $252 million for 10 years with the Rangers.
Revelations of PED use have left A-Rod out in the cold when it comes to Hall of Fame voting. The Florida native failed to reach the 75% vote threshold in each of his two years of eligibility.
Alex Rodriguez quote proves he is not a fighter, but a businessman
Ever since his retirement in 2016, Rodriguez has been known to get involved in various ventures. From NBA teams to Dominican beer brands, it is unlikely that the PFL will be Alex Rodriguez's final foray into a world where sports and business collide.