Friday, August 12th officially marked the end of an era not only for Yankees baseball but in the storied career of Alex Rodriguez. Rodriguez: a three-time MVP winner, a 14-time all-star, part of the 3,000 and 600 home run clubs and the 2009 Championship Yankees; remembered for much more than the statistics.
A-Rod has always been full of talent, but surrounded even more by drama. Many baseball fans are probably happy to say good riddance, but for all the baggage that A-Rod brought, it can be argued that he brought even more memories and provided the entertainment that baseball oh-so needed. Here are thirteen reason why baseball, and New York in particular, will miss A-Rod.
1.Everyone loves to hate him.
Who doesn't love a good villain? From leaving the Mariners after being selected number one overall to signing hundred million dollar contracts, A-Rod just knew how to perfectly play that villain card. Not to mention all of the allegations and confessions involving PED's leading to constant A-Rod chants.
2.He makes headlines.
A big-time player in a big city and an even bigger media market. To consistently control the back page of the sports section and make a sports reporter's dreams come true was A-Rod's gift. Perhaps nobody will miss him more than the media.
3. His celebrity status.
From dating Madonna to a modeling career, A-Rod is not just an athlete, but a full-on celebrity.
4. The scapegoat.
No matter the problem, the usual suspect was A-Rod. Yankees don't win world series? Better check his playoff numbers.
5. He made Jeter look even better.
How do you make the most beloved player in baseball look even better? Put the most hated player in the league right next to him.
6. We love to see him fail.
Nobody ever likes seeing a villain come out on top, right?
7. We love it even more when he succeeds.
With all the pressure and everyone anticipating him to fail, it made success even sweeter.
8. The Red Sox missed out.
The only thing better than a Yankees win is a Red Sox loss. When the Red Sox missed out on A-Rod, it made the trade an instant win.
9. He's iconic.
Regardless of wether you liked him or hated him, you knew his name.
10. The press conferences.
In every press conference and every interview, A-Rod just had this sort of swagger to him. It made you hate it and love it all at once.
11. He's talented.
All the grief A-Rod has gotten over his career is only because of the talent he has. Perhaps one of the most talented players to ever step foot on a baseball field - the numbers speak for themselves.
12. He chased history.
Breaking records and chasing history. Wether it was the 3,000 hit club or the exclusive 500 home runs, A-Rod chased and almost caught every record he sought out.
13. A-Rod being A-Rod.
Nobody else could do it better.
