When Alex Rodriguez ignited controversy after his karate chop on Bronson Arroyo in ALCS '04
MLB legend Alex Rodriguez once spoke out on an epic incident between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees rivalry that ignited controversy.
In Game 6 of the 2004 American League Championship Series, Rodriguez was running down the first-base line when he reached out to slap the ball out of Red Sox pitcher Bronson Arroyo's glove.
In 2018, A-Rod finally explained the reason for his famed 'karate chop' on Barstool Sports' 'Pardon My Take' podcast.
"It was worth the try. How's that?" Rodriguez said. "I was trying to go for his glove, and Arroyo's a very good athlete. He got off the mound very quickly. I was trying to go for his glove and the karate chop went a little too far and I got his forearm."
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The Yankees led the Red Sox by three games in the series before losing Game 7 to their fierce rivals.
The team's momentum was hampered, according to Rodriguez, because of John Olerud's foot injury. After sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series, the Red Sox won their first championship since 1918.
Alex Rodriguez was heartbroken after 2004 ALCS loss
Alex Rodriguez discussed the infamous defeat to the Boston Red Sox. ESPN rebroadcast Game 4 of the series in 2020, and Rodriguez was not in any mood to revisit one of the biggest comebacks in MLB history. A-Rod resorted to Twitter to vent his anger, saying:
How many of you remember this game from 2004? It still hurts to watch. I will NEVER get over this one. Not now. Not ever. We were three outs away from the World Series, up 3 games to zero! 😤⚾️
And we lost. And then we lost Game 5. And Game 6. And Game 7. @espn @MLB @yankees https://t.co/0NMDSphD4L
"How many of you remember this game from 2004? It still hurts to watch. I will NEVER get over this one. Not now. Not ever. We were three outs away from the World Series, up 3 games to zero! And we lost. And then we lost Game 5. And Game 6. And Game 7. @espn @MLB @yankees" - Alex Rodriguez
A-Rod is regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of baseball. In addition to serving as the chairman of Presidente beer, Rodriguez also serves as the chairman and CEO of A-Rod Corp. The Minnesota Timberwolves of the National Basketball Association (NBA) are a part of his ownership.