"This moment will be ingrained in my memory forever" - Alex Rodriguez recalls core memory from Yankees stadium ft. daughters Natasha & Ella
In what can only be described as a polarizing MLB career, Alex Rodriguez has always been remembered by the New York Yankee faithful as one of the team's greats. The sporting legend is beloved in the Big Apple for his contributions to the team in spite of controversies, especially in the waning days of his playing career.
On June 7, Rodriguez posted a video of his final career game for the New York Yankees together with his daughters Natasha and Ella by his side on Instagram. The legendary slugger stated that he looked back on his final game ahead of his return to Yankee Stadium today.
"This moment will be ingrained in my memory forever," Rodriguez said on Instagram. "Excited to be headed back to Yankees Stadium tomorrow! #newyorkyankees," he added.
Alex Rodriguez's final career game took place on August 12, 2016, in Yankee Stadium. Days ahead of the match, Rodriguez announced that the eventual game against the Tampa Bay Rays would be the last before he hangs it up.
In a poetic turn of events, Rodriguez recorded a double and drove Brett Gardner for an RBI in his last-ever at-bat. He would be replaced by Ronald Torreyes in the top of the ninth through a thunderous ovation from the home fans.
The Yankees won against the Rays 6-3 in Rodriguez's final career game.
Alex Rodriguez's legendary Yankees career
There is still some contention (Primarily due to the 2013 Biogenesis doping scandal) as to whether Alex Rodriguez had a successful career as a New York Yankee and if he should be regarded as one of the team's all-time greats alongside Mariano Rivera and former captain Derek Jeter.
By statistics alone, Alex Rodriguez produced elite numbers for the Yankees in his 12-year career with the club. He recorded 351 home runs, 1,580 base hits, 1,096 RBIs, and owns a slash line of .283/.378/.900.
The former all-star has also strung up 54 WAR (Wins Above Replacement) just for his entire stay with the Yankees. The 54 WAR is higher than the career WARs of Hall of Famers Fred McGriff, Tony Perez, and Kirby Puckett.