In the wake of Alex Rodriguez's bittersweet farewell, fans of baseball seem to have more questions than answers. Especially Yankee fans. Many wonder why a Yankee icon could be dismissed so easily without a chance to finish his final Yankee season. The explanation was that Alex and the Yankees had come to terms on his retirement, but the truth is, they just wanted him out. A-Rod is another Yankee great in a long line of greats that have been treated in close to the same manner. He's not the first, and he definitely won't be the last.
Alex was baptized a Yankee on a chilly October night with a Grand Slam home run deep into the seats at the Old Yankee Stadium. From that night on, Alex was a true Yankee. Since that time, he has had numerous milestones as well as scandals in perfect Yankee fashion. No team in history has boasted so many Hall of Famers constantly in the news for their various transgressions. Alex is no different. Unfortunately due to his transgressions, he may never be a Hall of Famer; though his achievements are too numerous to count. That's another story in itself. From a baseball standpoint, Alex Rodriguez is one of the best pure baseball players the sport has ever seen. Take away the glitz, take away the glamour, and just talk baseball, his name will usually come up in the conversation. Ever since his early days as a Seattle Mariner his talent was obvious. He brought fans to the ballpark wherever he went. He was great for baseball as a whole, and his exit leaves baseball with a hole.
All in all, Alex Rodriguez, the Yankees, and baseball had a symbiotic relationship that helped and hurt the sport, as well as add a few more trophies to the Yankee's case. He excited, he entertained, and he produced. He is considered one of the last of his era, and there aren't many left. Many knew that it was only a matter of time before his career would end, but never expected it to end so abruptly. News of his retirement came only three days before his final game. How does one prepare for that? It seems odd, but not out of the realm of thought when it comes to Yankee management.
It seems as his Yankee career concludes, there is uncertainty that he is done with baseball. There still may be a little game left in Alex after all as he seeks his final milestone; his 700th home run. No one knows where his road will lead, but he will always be remembered as one of the best to play the game, and his presence in the Yankee dugout, as well as at the plate will be sorely missed.
