A-Rod ties Mays for 4th on homer list
Print Edition
ALEX Rodriguez hit his 660th career home run on Friday to tie Willie Mays for fourth on Major League Baseball’s all-time list.
Rodriguez entered the game as a pinch-hitter and connected in the eighth inning at Boston’s Fenway Park on what was the game-winning blow in the New York Yankees’ 3-2 victory.
Nicknamed “A-Rod”, the slugger was greeted in the Yankees dugout with high-fives and hugs, and showered with champagne in the locker room.
“That’s the first champagne bath I’ve had in early May in my career.” Rodriguez told reporters. “Any time that you’re sandwiched between Willie Mays and Babe Ruth is pretty special. I am thankful to the Yankees and Major League Baseball for allowing me to play.”
The 39-year-old Rodriguez is playing his first season since being suspended for all of 2014 due to a doping violation and has belted six home runs so far in his comeback campaign.
The blast triggered a US$6 million bonus clause in A-Rod’s contract for career milestones, though there have been reports the Yankees may contest the payment. But the club posted a brief acknowledgement on Twitter. “With his homer in the 8th inning, AROD ties Willie Mays with No. 660,” the team said.
Despite the controversy surrounding the slugger, Mays released a statement congratulating Rodriguez.
“Congratulations to Alex Rodriguez on his 660th home run,” Mays said. “Milestones in baseball are meant to be broken and I wish him continued success throughout his career.”
Former Yankee Ruth is third on the all-time list with 714 homers, behind Hank Aaron (755) and Barry Bonds (762).
As he had drawn closer to Mays’ mark, Rodriguez had spoken often of his respect for the Hall of Famer.
“Willie Mays has always been a hero to me,” Rodriguez said. “A year ago today, I never would’ve imagined even playing baseball. But a day like today, I think of my mother, my daughters, the people at the Boys and Girls Club where I learned to play baseball.”
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