Challenges in the Life of Alex Rodriguez in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Alex Rodriguez's life and career.

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

2001: Rodriguez admits to using steroids from 2001 to 2003

Alex Rodriguez admitted to steroid use from 2001 until 2003, claiming that he ceased using such substances after spring training that year.

2001: Rangers Finished Last in AL Western Division

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

2003: Rodriguez tests positive for performance-enhancing drugs

In 2003, Alex Rodriguez tested positive for testosterone and the anabolic steroid Primobolan, as part of Major League Baseball's survey on drug testing.

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.

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: Rodriguez struggles with runners on base

Dating back to Game 4 of the 2004 AL Championship Series, Alex Rodriguez struggled with runners on base, stranding 38 runners over 61 postseason at-bats, going 0-for-29 with runners on base.

2004: Criticism After 2004 Postseason

Due to the Yankees' unsuccessful postseason performance from 2004 to 2007, Alex Rodriguez drew criticism in the New York area.

2005: Criticism After 2005 Postseason

Due to the Yankees' unsuccessful postseason performance from 2004 to 2007, along with Rodriguez's sub-.200 batting average in the 2005 postseason, Alex Rodriguez drew criticism in the New York area.

2005: MLB warns Rodriguez about participating in illegal poker games

In 2011, Alex Rodriguez was facing allegations of participating in illegal, underground poker games. An MLB Executive stated Rodriguez may face a suspension if proven guilty, as MLB had warned Rodriguez in 2005 not to participate in such games.

2006: Criticism After 2006 Postseason

Due to the Yankees' unsuccessful postseason performance from 2004 to 2007, along with Rodriguez's sub-.200 batting average in the 2006 postseason, Alex Rodriguez drew criticism in the New York area.

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.

2007: Criticism After 2007 Postseason

Due to the Yankees' unsuccessful postseason performance from 2004 to 2007, Alex Rodriguez drew criticism in the New York area.

2008: Criticism for Performance in Clutch Situations

In 2008, Alex Rodriguez faced criticism for his inability to produce hits in clutch situations. He hit .264 with runners in scoring position and two outs, striking out 20 times in those situations.

February 7, 2009: Report of Rodriguez testing positive for steroids

On February 7, 2009, Sports Illustrated reported that Alex Rodriguez tested positive for testosterone and the anabolic steroid Primobolan in 2003. His name appeared on a government-sealed list of major-league players who tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs.

2009: Rodriguez withdraws from World Baseball Classic due to injury

Prior to the 2009 season, Alex Rodriguez was scheduled to represent the Dominican Republic in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, but he withdrew due to a cyst and torn labrum in his right hip that required surgery.

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.

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: Rodriguez's lawyers allege mishandling of hip injury in 2012

Alex Rodriguez's lawyers accused the Yankees, and specifically Christopher S. Ahmad, of mishandling his hip injury in several ways, alleging that the team withheld the injury from him and continued to play him in 2012, despite his condition.

2012: Rodriguez struggles in the 2012 Postseason

During the 2012 postseason, Alex Rodriguez struggled, batting 3-for-25 overall. He did not start many times, and the Yankees were eliminated by the Detroit Tigers in the 2012 ALCS.

January 16, 2013: Rodriguez undergoes hip surgery

On January 16, 2013, Alex Rodriguez underwent arthroscopic surgery on his hip to repair a torn labrum, his second such surgery in four years. He began the 2013 season on the 60-day disabled list.

2013: 2013 Season Performance

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

2013: Rodriguez suspended, feuds with Yankees

In 2013, Alex Rodriguez returned to the Yankees, but MLB announced he would be suspended (pending an appeal) through the 2014 season for his role in the Biogenesis scandal. Rodriguez feuded with the Yankees front office regarding his hip injury.

2014: Rodriguez suspended for 2014 season.

Alex Rodriguez was notified that MLB announced he would be suspended through the 2014 season for his role in the Biogenesis scandal. This announcement came on the same day as his return in 2013.

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.