Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Alex Rodriguez

How Alex Rodriguez built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Alex Rodriguez, nicknamed "A-Rod," is a former professional baseball shortstop and third baseman who played 22 seasons in MLB for the Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, and New York Yankees. He is considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time. Currently, Rodriguez is a businessman, serving as chairman and CEO of A-Rod Corp and chairman of Presidente beer. He also owns a controlling interest in the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1914: Second Time in MLB History That a Reigning MVP Was Traded

In 1914, Eddie Collins was traded to the Chicago White Sox from the Philadelphia Athletics for cash considerations, marking the first time a reigning MVP was traded.

1932: First Player Since 1932 With 50 Homers and 200 Hits

In 1932, Alex Rodriguez became the first player since 1932 to achieve 50 home runs and 200 hits in a single season.

1958: Surpassed Ernie Banks' Shortstop Home Run Record

In 1958, Alex Rodriguez surpassed Ernie Banks' record of 47 home runs to achieve the highest total ever by a shortstop.

1961: Most Home Runs Since Roger Maris

In 1961, Alex Rodriguez hit the most home runs in the AL since Roger Maris' league record of 61.

1968: Second AL Player in 34 Seasons to Lead in Runs, Homers, and Total Bases

In 1968, Alex Rodriguez became the second American League player in the last 34 seasons, beginning in 1968, to lead the league in runs, home runs, and total bases.

1980: Broke Mike Schmidt's infielder home run record

In 1980, Alex Rodriguez broke Phillies 3B Mike Schmidt's mark of 48 home runs, making it the most ever for an infielder other than a first baseman.

1980: First Yankee to Win AL Home Run Title Since Jackson

In 1980, Reggie Jackson (41) was the first Yankee to win the American League home run title since 1980.

1984: First Player to Lead in Home Runs, RBIs, and Total Bases Since 1984

In 1984, Alex Rodriguez became the first player to lead the major leagues in home runs, RBIs, and total bases since 1984.

1987: Joined Andre Dawson as Players on Last-Place Teams to Win MVP Award

In 1987, Alex Rodriguez joined Andre Dawson as the only players to play on last-place teams and win the MVP award.

1993: Tried out for the United States national baseball team

In 1993, Alex Rodriguez became the first high school player to try out for the United States national baseball team.

1993: Signed with the Seattle Mariners

In 1993, Alex Rodriguez turned down a baseball scholarship offer from the University of Miami and signed with the Seattle Mariners after being selected first overall in the amateur draft.

1993: Drafted by the Mariners

In 1993, the Mariners selected Alex Rodriguez first overall in the MLB draft.

July 8, 1994: MLB Debut

On July 8, 1994, Alex Rodriguez debuted in the major leagues as a starting shortstop, becoming just the third 18-year-old major league shortstop since 1900. He was the first 18-year-old major league player since 1978 and the youngest position player in Seattle history. He remains the last 18-year-old to play in an MLB game, as of the end of the 2024 season.

1994: Debut with Seattle Mariners

In 1994, Alex Rodriguez began his MLB career with the Seattle Mariners.

1995: Joined Mariners roster

In 1995, Alex Rodriguez hit his first major league home run and permanently joined the Mariners roster in August.

1996: Became Mariners' Starting Shortstop

In 1996, Alex Rodriguez became the Mariners' starting shortstop, won the major league batting title, and finished second in voting for the AL MVP Award.

1996: A-Rod Corp Founded

In 1996, Alex Rodriguez founded A-Rod Corp, a holding company.

1996: Top-10 Finish in AL MVP Voting

In 1996, Alex Rodriguez had one of five top-10 finishes in the AL MVP voting between 1996 and 2002.

1997: Hit for the cycle

In 1997, Alex Rodriguez batted .300 with 23 home runs and 84 RBIs. On June 5, 1997, he hit for the cycle and became the fan's choice to start the All-Star Game at shortstop for the AL team.

1998: Set AL record for homers by a shortstop

In 1998, Alex Rodriguez set the AL record for homers by a shortstop and became just the third member of the 40–40 club.

2000: Signed with the Texas Rangers

After the 2000 season, Alex Rodriguez became a free agent and eventually signed with the Texas Rangers for 10-year deal worth $252 million.

2000: Joined the Rangers

After the 2000 season, Alex Rodriguez left the Mariners and joined the Texas Rangers.

2000: End of time with the Seattle Mariners

In 2000, Alex Rodriguez ended his time with the Seattle Mariners.

2000: Matched Team Record for Home Runs in April

In 2000, Alex Rodriguez matched a team record with nine home runs in April, a record shared with Iván Rodríguez (2000), Carl Everett (2003), and Ian Kinsler (2007).

2000: Great numbers and playoffs

In 2000, Alex Rodriguez put up great numbers, hitting 41 home runs with 132 RBIs and a .316 batting average. He hit well in the playoffs as well but Seattle lost to the New York Yankees in the 2000 American League Championship Series.

2001: Joins Texas Rangers

In 2001, Alex Rodriguez joined the Texas Rangers.

2001: Started Every Game in 2001

In 2001, Alex Rodriguez started 161 games at shortstop and one as the designated hitter, becoming the only major league player to start all of his team's games.

2001: Rangers Finished Last in AL Western Division

In 2001, the Texas Rangers finished last in the AL Western division, despite Rodriguez's performance.

2002: Top-10 Finish in AL MVP Voting

In 2002, Alex Rodriguez had one of five top-10 finishes in the AL MVP voting between 1996 and 2002.

2002: Led the Majors in Home Runs, RBIs, and Total Bases

In 2002, Alex Rodriguez led the major leagues with 57 home runs, 142 RBIs, and 389 total bases and won his first Gold Glove Award.

2003: First Investments of A-Rod Corp

In 2003, A-Rod Corp, the holding company founded by Alex Rodriguez, began making its first investments.

2003: Donation to University of Miami

In 2003, Alex Rodriguez donated $3.9 million to the University of Miami to renovate its baseball stadium, which was then renamed "Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field".

2003: Leaves Texas Rangers

In 2003, Alex Rodriguez ended his time with the Texas Rangers.

2003: Matched Team Record for Home Runs in April

In 2003, Alex Rodriguez matched a team record with nine home runs in April, a record shared with Iván Rodríguez (2000), Carl Everett (2003), and Ian Kinsler (2007).

2003: Last Year with the Rangers

In 2003, Alex Rodriguez's last year with the Texas Rangers, he led the American League in home runs, runs scored, and slugging percentage, and won his second consecutive Gold Glove Award. He became the youngest player to hit 300 homers and won his second Babe Ruth Home Run Award.

2003: Trade Agreement with Red Sox Vetoed

In 2003, Texas set out to part ways with Rodriguez and his expensive contract. The Rangers initially agreed to a trade with the Boston Red Sox, sending Rodriguez to Boston for Manny Ramirez, 19-year old pitching prospect Jon Lester, and cash considerations; however, the deal was vetoed by the Major League Baseball Players Association due to a voluntary reduction in salary by Rodriguez.

February 15, 2004: Traded to the New York Yankees

On February 15, 2004, Alex Rodriguez was traded to the New York Yankees for Alfonso Soriano and Joaquín Árias, with the Rangers paying $67 million of his remaining contract. He switched from shortstop to third base due to Derek Jeter, and changed his uniform number to 13 in honor of Dan Marino.

July 24, 2004: Brawl with the Boston Red Sox

On July 24, 2004, Rodriguez was hit by a pitch from Bronson Arroyo, leading to a scuffle with Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek and a bench-clearing brawl between both teams.

2004: Yankees lose payments due to Rodriguez opt-out

Because of Alex Rodriguez's opt-out from his contract in 2007, the New York Yankees also lost $21.3 million in remaining payments from the Texas Rangers as part of their agreement from the 2004 trade.

2004: Traded to the Yankees

Before the 2004 season, Alex Rodriguez was traded to the New York Yankees and converted to a third baseman to accommodate Derek Jeter.

2004: Joins New York Yankees

In 2004, Alex Rodriguez joined the New York Yankees.

2004: Aaron Boone's Injury Creates Opening

In 2004, Yankees third baseman Aaron Boone suffered a knee injury while playing a game of pickup basketball, sidelining him for the entire season and creating a hole at third base.

2004: First Season with the Yankees

In 2004, during Alex Rodriguez's first season with the Yankees, he hit .286 with 36 home runs, 106 RBIs, 112 runs scored, and 28 stolen bases. He became one of three players in Major League history to compile at least 35 home runs, 100 runs, and 100 RBIs in seven consecutive seasons, joining Babe Ruth and Jimmie Foxx.

2004: Controversial Play in Game 6 of ALCS

In 2004, during Game 6 of the American League Championship Series, Alex Rodriguez made a controversial play. He swatted at pitcher Bronson Arroyo's glove, knocking the ball loose, but was called out for interference. The Yankees lost the ALCS to the Red Sox.

2005: American League Leader

In 2005, Alex Rodriguez led the American League with 124 runs and 48 home runs while driving in 130 runs. He became the first Yankee to win the American League home run title since Reggie Jackson in 1980 and the youngest player to reach 400 home runs. He also set the franchise record for most home runs in a single season by a right-handed batter, breaking Joe DiMaggio's 1937 mark.

July 21, 2006: 2,000th Hit and 450th Home Run

On July 21, 2006, Alex Rodriguez recorded his 2,000th hit, which was also his 450th home run. He became the youngest player in baseball history to reach 450 home runs and the eighth player to reach 2,000 hits before turning 31.

2006: Played for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic

In 2006, Alex Rodriguez opted to play for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.

2006: One of his Lesser-Accomplished Seasons

In 2006, Rodriguez finished fourth in the league in RBI (121), fifth in runs scored (113), eighth in home runs (35) and walks (90), and ninth in OBP (.392). It was perceived as one of his lesser-accomplished seasons.

October 28, 2007: Rodriguez opts out of Yankees contract

On October 28, 2007, Alex Rodriguez's agent announced that he would not renew his contract with the New York Yankees, citing concerns about the team's future. This decision led to criticism from fans and writers. The Yankees also lost $21.3 million in payments from the Texas Rangers because of the opt-out.

November 15, 2007: Rodriguez agrees to contract with Yankees

On November 15, 2007, Alex Rodriguez and the New York Yankees agreed on the basic framework of a 10-year, $275 million contract. The contract, finalized on December 13, included incentives for breaking career home run milestones and would have him playing until he was 42.

2007: Rodriguez achieves milestone season

In 2007, Alex Rodriguez became the first MLB player to have at least 35 home runs, 100 runs, and 100 RBIs in 10 consecutive seasons. He led the American League in several categories, including home runs (54) and RBIs (156), and won his third Babe Ruth Home Run Award in 2007.

2007: Matched Team Record for Home Runs in April

In 2007, Alex Rodriguez matched a team record with nine home runs in April, a record shared with Iván Rodríguez (2000), Carl Everett (2003), and Ian Kinsler (2007).

2007: Opted out of contract and signed a new deal

In 2007, Alex Rodriguez opted out of his contract after the season, then signed a new 10-year deal with the Yankees. He also became the youngest player to hit 500 home runs.

2007: Reported to camp in 2007

In 2007, Alex Rodriguez reported to camp and had reduced his body fat from 16% the year before to 9%.

2007: Rodriguez one of four batters with 18+ home runs and stolen bases.

In 2007, Alex Rodriguez was one of only four batters in the AL to have at least 18 home runs and 18 stolen bases.

September 3, 2008: Rodriguez home run reviewed via instant replay

On September 3, 2008, Alex Rodriguez hit his 549th home run in a game against the Tampa Bay Rays. The play was reviewed using instant replay for the first time in MLB history and the umpires' ruling was upheld.

2008: Newport Property Construction Founded

In 2008, Alex Rodriguez founded Newport Property Construction, a real-estate development firm.

2008: Record shared through 2008

In 2008, Alex Rodriguez record was shared through 2008 with Iván Rodríguez (2000), Carl Everett (2003), and Ian Kinsler (2007).

October 4, 2009: Rodriguez sets American League RBI record

On October 4, 2009, Alex Rodriguez set an American League record for most RBI by a batter in a single inning with seven, also reaching 30 home runs and 100 RBIs for the 12th consecutive season.

2009: Exceptional Postseason Performance

Alex Rodriguez silenced critics with an exceptional performance in the 2009 postseason, posting a .365 batting average and hitting six home runs in 52 at-bats during the Yankees' 15 post-season games.

2009: Won World Series with the Yankees

In 2009, Alex Rodriguez helped the Yankees win the World Series over the Philadelphia Phillies.

2009: Yankees win World Series, Rodriguez wins Babe Ruth Award

In 2009, the Yankees won the World Series, marking the first of Alex Rodriguez's career. Rodriguez was awarded the Babe Ruth Award as the 2009 postseason MVP, batting .365 with six home runs and 18 RBI.

2009: Rodriguez performs well in the 2009 ALDS against Minnesota.

In the first game of the 2009 ALDS against Minnesota, Alex Rodriguez hit two RBI singles − both coming with two outs. In Game 2, he hit an RBI single in the sixth, and hit a game-tying homer off closer Joe Nathan in the bottom of the ninth inning. In Game 3, he again hit a game-tying home run.

August 4, 2010: Rodriguez hits 600th home run

On August 4, 2010, Alex Rodriguez became the seventh player in major league history to hit 600 home runs, doing so against Shaun Marcum of the Toronto Blue Jays, becoming the youngest player to reach the milestone at 35 years and 8 days old.

2010: Donation to Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade

In 2010, Alex Rodriguez and A-Rod Corp donated $1 million to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade, to build a state-of-the-art educational center for students.

2010: Pepsi Cola Commercial

In 2010, Alex Rodriguez appeared in a Pepsi Cola commercial as a truck driver simulating a baseball player. The commercial concludes with his partner suggesting he pursue a career in beverage delivery.

2011: Represented by Dan Lozano

As of 2011, Alex Rodriguez was represented by sports agent Dan Lozano.

2011: Rodriguez suffers home run drought and knee injury

In 2011, despite batting .295 with 13 home runs and 52 RBIs prior to the All-Star break, Alex Rodriguez suffered the longest single-season home run drought of his career and underwent arthroscopic surgery on his knee to repair a torn meniscus.

June 12, 2012: Rodriguez ties Gehrig's grand slam record

On June 12, 2012, Alex Rodriguez hit his 23rd career grand slam off Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Jonny Venters, which tied Lou Gehrig for the most in MLB history.

July 24, 2012: Rodriguez fractures hand, reaches 2,000 career strikeouts

On July 24, 2012, Alex Rodriguez sustained a non-displaced fracture in his hand. Earlier in the same game versus the Seattle Mariners, Felix Hernandez struck out Rodriguez in the sixth inning, making Rodriguez the fifth player to record 2,000 career strikeouts in MLB history.

2012: Monument Capital Management Founded

In 2012, Alex Rodriguez founded Monument Capital Management, which has acquired more than $1 billion of real estate assets in 16 states.

2012: Partnership for Energy Fitness Gym Chain

In 2012, Alex Rodriguez partnered with Mark Mastrov to create the Energy Fitness gym chain in Mexico City.

July 2, 2013: Rodriguez begins rehab assignment

On July 2, 2013, Alex Rodriguez played his first rehab assignment game with the Yankees Class-A Low affiliate, the Charleston RiverDogs, as part of his recovery from hip surgery.

2013: 2013 Season Performance

In 2013, Alex Rodriguez played only 44 games, batting .244 with seven home runs and 19 RBI.

2013: Leaves New York Yankees

In 2013, Alex Rodriguez's first stint with the New York Yankees concluded.

January 11, 2014: Suspension Upheld

On January 11, 2014, Alex Rodriguez's suspension was upheld after a lengthy arbitration process, effectively reducing it to 162 games for the 2014 regular season.

February 7, 2014: Rodriguez Drops Lawsuit

On February 7, 2014, Alex Rodriguez announced his decision to abandon his lawsuit and accept the suspension for the 2014 season.

2014: Mercedes-Benz Dealership Sold

In 2014, Alex Rodriguez sold a Mercedes-Benz dealership in League City, Texas, to Group 1 Automotive.

2014: Suspension for violating PED policy

In 2014, Alex Rodriguez was suspended by MLB from August 8 through the end of the 2014 season for violating the league's PED policy, totaling 211 regular-season games plus any postseason games, after being found to have used Testosterone and human Growth Hormone and for obstructing the investigation.

2014: Suspension Upheld and Role Change

In 2014, Alex Rodriguez's suspension was upheld, resulting in him being suspended for the entire regular season and postseason. Additionally, the Yankees announced that Rodriguez would no longer be an everyday third baseman, instead serving as a designated hitter.

2015: 2015 Season Performance

During the 2015 season, from August 1 until the end, Alex Rodriguez appeared in 56 games, batting .191 with nine home runs and 59 strikeouts. He finished the season with 33 home runs, 86 RBI, and a .252 batting average, leading the Yankees in several offensive categories. He also tied an all-time record of reaching 30+ home runs for the 15th time in his career, tying with Aaron.

2015: Spring Training and First Base Experiment

In 2015, Alex Rodriguez reported early to the New York Yankees' spring training camp. Manager Girardi planned to experiment with Rodriguez at first base during spring training, marking the first time in his career he would play that position.

2015: Return to the New York Yankees

In 2015, Alex Rodriguez returned to play for the New York Yankees.

April 17, 2016: 12,000 Career Plate Appearances

On April 17, 2016, Alex Rodriguez became the 19th player in MLB history to reach 12,000 career plate appearances.

August 12, 2016: Final game in professional baseball

On August 12, 2016, Alex Rodriguez played his final game in professional baseball.

2016: Investment in NRG Esports

In 2016, Alex Rodriguez invested in NRG Esports alongside Shaquille O'Neal and Jimmy Rollins.

2016: Fox Sports Analyst

In 2016, Alex Rodriguez was an MLB studio analyst for Fox Sports, winning a Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Studio Show.

2016: End of time with New York Yankees

In 2016, Alex Rodriguez's second stint with the New York Yankees concluded.

2016: Announcement of Final Game and Future Role

On August 7, 2016, Alex Rodriguez announced he would play his final game for the Yankees on August 12 against the Rays at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees planned to sign him to a contract through 2017 as a special instructor and advisor, with Rodriguez joining the front office in the offseason. During his final game the club thanked Rodriguez with a tribute of highlights on the stadium videoboard, a presentation of a framed number 13 jersey, and a base autographed by teammates. He went 1-for-4 with an RBI double and played one batter at third base.

January 2017: No Playing for Other Teams

In January 2017, Alex Rodriguez's spokesman announced that he would not play for any other team in the coming year and would remain a "special advisor" to Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner.

January 2017: CNBC announces Rodriguez as host of Back in the Game

In January 2017, CNBC announced that Alex Rodriguez would be the host of the show "Back in the Game."

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2017: A-Rod Corp Gains Rights to Develop UFC-Branded Fitness Centers

In 2017, A-Rod Corp gained the rights to develop UFC-branded fitness centers across southern Florida. That year, A-Rod Corp purchased a major equity stake in TruFusion, a Las Vegas-based fitness studio chain, and invested in the beverage brand Dirty Lemon.

2017: Donation to the University of Miami School of Business Administration

In 2017, Alex Rodriguez and A-Rod Corp donated $500,000 to the University of Miami School of Business Administration.

2017: Media Career

In 2017, Alex Rodriguez became a guest judge on Shark Tank and signed a deal with ABC News to serve as a contributor to ABC World News Tonight, Good Morning America, and Nightline.

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2017: Second Emmy Win

In 2017, Alex Rodriguez continued as an MLB studio analyst for Fox Sports, winning a second Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Studio Show.

2017: Special Instructor and Advisor Role

In 2017, Alex Rodriguez was supposed to continue as a special instructor and advisor for the Yankees organization after announcing his retirement in 2016.

January 2018: Joins ESPN Sunday Night Baseball

In January 2018, ESPN announced that Alex Rodriguez would be joining the broadcast team of Sunday Night Baseball.

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March 2018: Back in the Game Debut

In March 2018, Alex Rodriguez became the host of the show "Back in the Game", which premiered on CNBC. The show focuses on Rodriguez mentoring athletes and entertainers who have faced difficult times.

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March 2018: Debut of Back in the Game

In March 2018, the first episode of "Back in the Game" debuted on CNBC.

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2018: A-Rod Corp Invests in Petros Pace Finance

In 2018, A-Rod Corp invested in Petros Pace Finance, a financier of green development.

2018: Joins ESPN

In 2018, Alex Rodriguez joined ESPN as a Sunday Night Baseball analyst.

2018: The Corp Podcast Co-Created

In 2018, Alex Rodriguez partnered with Barstool Sports to co-create The Corp Podcast with Dan Katz aka Barstool Big Cat, interviewing industry leaders, athletes, and entrepreneurs.

October 2019: Donation of Meals to Tennessee Elementary Students

In October 2019, Alex Rodriguez, along with Jennifer Lopez, donated a year's worth of meals from Tiller & Hatch to Tennessee elementary students.

November 2019: Back in the Game Series

In November 2019, a four-episode series of "Back in the Game" debuted featuring Evander Holyfield, Ryan Lochte, Brian Dunkleman, and Nicole Eggert.

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2019: Represented by Jon Rosen of WME/IMG

As of 2019, Alex Rodriguez was being represented by Jon Rosen of WME/IMG.

2019: Investments in Bungalow, Acorns, and Sonder Corp

In 2019, A-Rod Corp invested in the co-living startup Bungalow, Acorns, and Sonder Corp. Also, Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez partnered with telehealth company Hims and Hers to provide affordable healthcare, and Rodriguez invested in Density, a technology company specializing in people counting.

2019: Planters Super Bowl Commercial

In 2019, Alex Rodriguez was featured in a Planters Super Bowl commercial where Mr. Peanut stops him from eating kale chips and offers peanuts instead.

2019: Emmy Nomination

In 2019, Alex Rodriguez was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Sports Personality, Studio and Sports Event Analyst.

January 2020: Chairman of Presidente

In January 2020, Alex Rodriguez became the new chairman of Presidente, a Dominican beer company owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev.

February 2020: A-Rod Corp Invests in Nova Credit

In February 2020, A-Rod Corp invested in Nova Credit, a financial technology company.

April 2020: Donation of Meals to Miami Hospitality Workers

In April 2020, Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez donated 20,000 prepared Tiller & Hatch meals to help hospitality workers in the Miami area who had lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

July 2020: Failed Bid for New York Mets

In July 2020, Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez were leading a group of investors bidding on the New York Mets, and had moved to the second stage of the bidding process, but the bid failed.

July 2020: Forbes Next 1000 Judge

In July 2020, Alex Rodriguez was announced as part of the judging panel for the Forbes Next 1000 list, which focuses on entrepreneurs from marginalized communities.

2020: Super Bowl LIV Commercials

During Super Bowl LIV in 2020, Alex Rodriguez was featured in a Presidente beer commercial and a Hard Rock ad, which also featured Jennifer Lopez.

2021: Hims Make-Up Line Launch

In 2021, Alex Rodriguez partnered with cosmetics company Hims to launch a line of make-up for men, starting with a concealer stick. His ex Jennifer Lopez is a co-investor.