Of course, the reactions were mixed.
This is Alex Rodriguez, the down-on-his-luck thug with a history of drug use and a tangled past.
Yankee stars Lou Piniella and David Cone believe he deserves a plaque in Monument Park.
Former teammates CC Sabathia and Jorge Posada took the easy way out and declined to share their opinions, saying the decision was not theirs.
Perhaps A-Rod’s first official trip as a Yankee to the Bronx during Old-Timer’s Day on Saturday afternoon was the first step in making this possible.
“I was really surprised to get an invitation – I’m honored, I’m humbled,” Rodriguez said. “I’m very happy and I told my daughter right away. It’s a great pleasure.”
“This is my first time back and I’m excited to be back. I’m very proud of my time in New York and I’m very proud to be part of a championship team.”
Rodriguez spent 12 seasons as a Yankee.
He was a key part of the 2009 championship team – the last group to win it all in pinstripes.
During his time here, he achieved a batting average of .283 with 351 home runs, 1,096 RBIs and an OPS of .900.
As a Yankee player, he won two of his three MVP awards and was selected to seven All-Star games.
There were also numerous postseason losses, most notably the epic 2004 ALCS, when the Yankees blew a 3-0 series lead against the Red Sox.
Rodriguez was suspended for the entire 2014 season because of his role in the Biogenesis steroid scandal.
It was the second time he was arrested for doping, during which time he clashed with Yankees management and even threatened to sue the team.
He had a love-hate relationship with his fans, who alternated between cheering and booing.
Still, “FORG1V3” jerseys were sold on Opening Day in 2015, and he received a standing ovation from the Bronx crowd when he left the field for his final game in 2016.
“I think things like Monument Park and the Hall of Fame are meant to document the history of the game,” said Cone, the YES analyst and former Yankee. “A-Rod is a big part of the history, so I think you have to cover that part.”
“You can’t just take a paintbrush and make people disappear as if they didn’t exist or didn’t have this incredible story. I think the fans would like to see that. If you did a fan poll, he would get overwhelming support.”
When Rodriguez was asked when he last wore his Yankees number 13 jersey, Derek Jeter intervened.
“He wears it all the time at home,” Jeter joked.
A-Rod added, “I think it was August 12th, right here in this room,” referring to his last day as a Yankees player on that day in 2016 before retiring.
Rodriguez has previously expressed his displeasure at no longer being part of Monument Park in 2023, saying, “Of course it bothers me.”
It wasn’t until Joey Gallo appeared in 2021 that the number was assigned.
Since then, he has become more diplomatic. When asked about it on Saturday, Rodriguez took the proverbial company line.
“I’ve thought about it. I’d like to be there,” he said. “But of course that’s not my decision.”
I appreciate everything about the New York Yankees and it would be an honor.”
Monument Park currently has 22 retired numbers and 37 different players have been honored.
The Yankees weren’t exactly picky, adding Willie Randolph, Jorge Posada and Paul O’Neill, among others. Rodriguez’s on-field numbers certainly justify the addition.
“He was a great Yankee,” said current manager Aaron Boone, “so I think this is a reasonable request.”
