Alex Rodriguez reaffirmed his hope that the New York Yankees would consider retiring his jersey number 13 in a recent interview.
“I would love that – that would be a dream come true,” Rodriguez said in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital.
“But that’s (Yankee owner) Hal Steinbrenner’s and (Yankees president) Randy Levine’s decision,” he continued. “If they say it’s a good thing, I’ll be the first one there. If not, I’ll still love the Yankees and support the Yankees and hope they win a championship this year.”
Last year, in an interview with WFAN, Rodriguez said it “bothers” him that the organization has yet to honor him in such a manner.
“Yeah, of course, it bothers me,” he said. “It’s less about bother, but, of course, it would be nice to be recognized in one of the coolest places to be in Yankee history, but that’s not my decision.”
Joey Gallo was given the number 13 jersey from 2021- 2022.
RELATED: New York Government Honors Yankees Arch-Enemy David Ortiz With Stunning Resolution
Should The Yankees Retire Number 13?
The question of course becomes, is Alex Rodriguez’s career with the Yankees worthy of retiring the number 13? He did hit 351 of his 696 career home runs with the Bronx Bombers during his 12 seasons with the team.
And, of course, he was part of the 2009 World Series championship team. Plus, barring some dubious aids to his abilities, he is one of the greatest hitters in league history.
But we suspect a lot of the arguments for or against him having his jersey retired are going to be the same as those that crop up when his Hall of Fame entry is up for debate.
He was a polarizing player for several reasons.
PED Use
Rodriguez was suspended for the entire 2014 MLB season for violating the league’s anti-doping policy. He admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) from 2001 to 2003, and later investigations linked him to the Biogenesis scandal, which exposed a widespread doping operation in professional sports.
It should be mentioned though, that Andy Pettitte’s number 46 is retired by the club, despite the fact that he admitted using human growth hormone in 2002 and 2004. So why wouldn’t the Yankees also overlook that to retire number 13?
Legal Disputes
Rodriguez has been involved in several legal battles, including a 2013 lawsuit against Major League Baseball, where he accused the league of targeting his reputation and career. Additionally, he has faced lawsuits from former employees and business partners, adding to his controversial image.
Gambling Allegations
In 2011, Rodriguez was warned by the New York Yankees and MLB Commissioner Bud Selig about his involvement in underground poker games. These allegations raised concerns about his off-field behavior and potential connections to illegal activities.
Image Issues
Rodriguez has faced criticism for his handling of public relations, particularly in the aftermath of his PED suspension. His attempts to rehabilitate his image have been met with mixed reactions. Some view his efforts as insincere or manipulative.
Plus, early on in his Yankee playing days, he did a photo shoot that included this cringeworthy image of him kissing a mirror.
Rodriguez also believes a decision to retire number 13 could be hindered by his broadcast career. Necessarily, at times he will need to be critical of the Yankees as part of his job.
What do our readers think? Should the Yankees retire the number 13 in honor of Alex Rodriguez?
Does he, or does he not, belong in the Baseball Hall of Fame?
More about:MLB