Alex Rodriguez facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Alex Rodriguez
Rodriguez in 2015
Shortstop / Third baseman
Born: (1975-07-27) July 27, 1975 (age 50) New York City, U.S.
Batted: Right Threw: Right
debut
July 8, 1994, for the Seattle Mariners
Last appearance
August 12, 2016, for the New York Yankees
MLB statistics
Batting average	.295
Hits	3,115
Home runs	696
Runs batted in	2,086
Teams
Seattle Mariners (1994–2000) Texas Rangers (2001–2003) New York Yankees (2004–2013, 2015–2016)
Career highlights and awards
14× All-Star (1996–1998, 2000–2008, 2010, 2011) World Series champion (2009) 3× AL MVP (2003, 2005, 2007) 2× Gold Glove Award (2002, 2003) 10× Silver Slugger Award (1996, 1998–2003, 2005, 2007, 2008) 4× AL Hank Aaron Award (2001–2003, 2007) MLB batting champion (1996) 5× AL home run leader (2001–2003, 2005, 2007) 2× MLB RBI leader (2002, 2007)
Medals Men's baseball Representing  United States World Junior Baseball Championship Silver 1992 Monterrey Team

Alexander Emmanuel Rodriguez (born July 27, 1975), better known by his nickname "A-Rod", is an American former professional baseball player and current businessman. Rodriguez played 22 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). He was a shortstop and a third baseman for the Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, and New York Yankees. Many people consider him one of the greatest baseball players of all time.

Rodriguez was a 14-time All-Star and won three American League (AL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards. He is the only player in MLB history to have more than 600 home runs, 2,000 runs batted in (RBIs), 2,000 runs scored, 3,000 hits, and 300 stolen bases. He also holds the record for the most career grand slams with 25.

After his baseball career, Rodriguez became a businessman and a baseball broadcaster for networks like Fox Sports and ESPN. He is the CEO of A-Rod Corp and a part-owner of the National Basketball Association's Minnesota Timberwolves.

In 2009, Rodriguez admitted to using steroids from 2001 to 2003. Later in his career, he was suspended for the entire 2014 season for breaking MLB's rules on performance-enhancing drugs.

Early Life

Alex Rodriguez was born in New York City to parents who had moved from the Dominican Republic. When he was four, his family moved to the Dominican Republic, and then to Miami, Florida. His father, who played baseball in the Dominican Republic, taught him the sport. As a kid, A-Rod's favorite players were Keith Hernandez, Dale Murphy, and Cal Ripken Jr..

He went to Westminster Christian School in Florida, where he was a star baseball and football player. In his senior year, he was named the best high school baseball player in the country. Because he was so talented, he was seen as the top baseball prospect in the nation. He decided to play professional baseball instead of going to college at the University of Miami.

Professional Career

Seattle Mariners (1994–2000)

The Seattle Mariners chose Rodriguez with the first overall pick in the 1993 MLB draft. He made his major league debut on July 8, 1994, at just 18 years old. He was the youngest position player in Mariners history.

Rodriguez batting for the Calgary Cannons in 1994

In 1996, Rodriguez had an amazing season. He became the Mariners' starting shortstop and won the American League batting title with a .358 average. He also hit 36 home runs and had 123 RBIs. He finished second in the voting for the AL MVP Award.

In 1998, he became a member of the special 40–40 club by hitting 42 home runs and stealing 46 bases in the same season. By the time he left the Mariners after the 2000 season, he was one of the best players in baseball.

Texas Rangers (2001–2003)

After the 2000 season, Rodriguez signed a 10-year, $252 million contract with the Texas Rangers. At the time, it was the largest contract in sports history.

With the Rangers, he continued to be a powerful hitter. In 2001, he hit 52 home runs, and in 2002, he hit a league-leading 57 home runs. Even though Rodriguez played very well, the Rangers did not make the playoffs. In 2003, he won his first AL MVP Award.

New York Yankees (2004–2016)

Rodriguez played third base after being traded to the Yankees in 2004.

Before the 2004 season, the Rangers traded Rodriguez to the New York Yankees. Since the Yankees already had a famous shortstop, Derek Jeter, Rodriguez agreed to change his position to third base. He also changed his number from 3 to 13, in honor of his childhood hero, quarterback Dan Marino.

MVP Seasons and a World Series Ring

In 2005, Rodriguez had a fantastic season, hitting .321 with 48 home runs and 130 RBIs. He won his second AL MVP Award. In 2007, he had an even better year, hitting 54 home runs and 156 RBIs, which earned him his third AL MVP Award. On August 4, 2007, he hit his 500th career home run, becoming the youngest player in history to reach that milestone at 32 years old.

Rodriguez batting in 2007

In 2009, Rodriguez helped lead the Yankees to a World Series championship. He played incredibly well in the postseason, hitting .365 with 6 home runs and 18 RBIs. This was the only World Series title of his career.

Later Years and Milestones

On August 4, 2010, Rodriguez hit his 600th career home run, again becoming the youngest player to do so. In 2012, he hit his 23rd career grand slam, which tied Lou Gehrig for the most in MLB history. He later broke the record in 2013 with his 24th grand slam.

Rodriguez missed the entire 2014 season due to a suspension for breaking MLB's rules on performance-enhancing drugs.

He returned in 2015 and had a strong season. On May 1, he hit his 660th home run, tying Willie Mays for fourth on the all-time list. He later passed Mays. On June 19, he got his 3,000th career hit, which was a home run off pitcher Justin Verlander.

Rodriguez played his final game on August 12, 2016. The Yankees honored him before the game, and he hit an RBI double in his last at-bat.

Life After Baseball

After retiring as a player, Rodriguez became a successful businessman and media personality. He works as a baseball analyst for Fox Sports and ESPN. He also appeared as a guest on the TV show Shark Tank.

He is the founder and CEO of A-Rod Corp, a company that invests in real estate, technology, and fitness companies. In 2021, he became a part-owner of the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves.

Personal Life

Rodriguez takes batting practice in 2009

In 2002, Rodriguez married Cynthia Scurtis. They have two daughters, Natasha and Ella. The couple divorced in 2008.

From 2017 to 2021, he was in a relationship with singer and actress Jennifer Lopez. They were engaged in 2019 but announced their separation in 2021.

Rodriguez is also known for his charity work. He has donated millions of dollars to the University of Miami and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Awards and Honors

Major league, minor league and high school awards and exhibition team selections

Achievements

Notes: Per Baseball-Reference.com.

Images for kids

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  Rodriguez reacting to a called strike in a game against Tampa Bay

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  Rodriguez at bat in 2008

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  Rodriguez playing for the Trenton Thunder, the Yankees' AA affiliate, in 2013

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  Rodriguez with the Yankees in 2016

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  Rodriquez working as a postgame television commentator during the 2016 World Series

See also

In Spanish: Álex Rodríguez para niños

• 30–30 club
• 50 home run club
• List of highest paid Major League Baseball players
• Major League Baseball titles leaders