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 MLB shortstop and third baseman who played for the Mariners, Rangers, and Yankees over 22 seasons. Highly touted early in his career, he is considered one of baseball's greatest players. Currently, Rodriguez is a businessman, serving as chairman and CEO of A-Rod Corp and chairman of Presidente beer. He also co-owns a controlling interest in the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves with Marc Lore.

Sections (6)

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

2001: Rodriguez begins using steroids

In 2001, Alex Rodriguez started using steroids. He later admitted to using such substances from 2001 to 2003, claiming that he ceased using such substances after spring training in 2003.

2001: The Rangers finished last in the AL West division in both years.

In 2001-02, the Rangers finished last in the AL West division.

2003: Rodriguez tests positive for steroids.

In 2003, Alex Rodriguez tested positive for testosterone and the anabolic steroid Primobolan as part of MLB's survey to determine the need for mandatory drug testing. Rodriguez admitted to steroid use from 2001 to 2003, claiming he ceased after spring training that year.

2004: Rodriguez fails to drive in runners in scoring position.

Dating back to Game 4 of the 2004 ALCS, Alex Rodriguez had batted with 38 runners on base over a span of 61 postseason at-bats, stranding every one of them and going 0-for-29 with runners on base.

2004: Yankees Lost Payments from Rangers due to Rodriguez's Opt-Out

Due to Rodriguez's opt-out from his contract, the Yankees lost $21.3 million in remaining payments from the Rangers as part of their agreement from the 2004 trade.

2004: Start of criticism due to Yankee's postseason failure

From 2004 to 2007, Alex Rodriguez faced criticism in the New York area due to the Yankees' unsuccessful postseasons, which prompted writers and players to criticize his performance.

2004: Boone suffered a knee injury

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

2005: Subpar batting average in 2005 postseason.

From 2004 to 2007, Alex Rodriguez faced criticism in the New York area due to the Yankees' unsuccessful postseasons, which prompted writers and players to criticize his performance. His 2005 batting average was sub-.200.

2006: Subpar batting average in 2006 postseason.

2006: Difficult season in 2006

In 2006, Rodriguez finished fourth in the league in RBI and eighth in home runs. He led all AL third basemen in errors and had the lowest fielding percentage and range factor among them. He has commented that 2006 was his most difficult season as a professional.

2007: Start of criticism due to Yankee's postseason failure

From 2004 to 2007, Alex Rodriguez faced criticism in the New York area due to the Yankees' unsuccessful postseasons, which prompted writers and players to criticize his performance.

2007: Rodriguez opts out of Yankees contract

In 2007, Alex Rodriguez's 10-year contract was expiring, and he opted out, becoming a free agent. Despite expressing his desire to stay with the Yankees, his agent announced he would not renew the contract due to uncertainty about the team's future. This decision cost the Yankees $21.3 million and drew criticism from fans and MLB officials, who viewed it as a selfish move.

2008: Rodriguez's hitting performance with runners in scoring position

In 2008, Alex Rodriguez hit .264 with runners in scoring position and two outs, with only 19 hits in 95 plate appearances.

February 7, 2009: Report surfaces of Rodriguez testing positive for steroids in 2003

On February 7, 2009, Sports Illustrated reported that Rodriguez tested positive for testosterone and the anabolic steroid Primobolan in 2003 as part of MLB's survey on performance-enhancing drugs.

2009: "The Cooler" nickname

Prior to 2009, Alex Rodriguez had received the nickname "The Cooler" among some players because of the perceived tendency for teams to turn cold when he joins them and hot when he leaves.

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 was forced to withdraw when an MRI revealed a cyst and a torn labrum in his right hip. He underwent an arthroscopic procedure with a recovery period of six to nine weeks.

2011: Rodriguez undergoes knee surgery and faces allegations of participating in illegal poker games

In 2011, Alex Rodriguez batted well but suffered a home run drought and underwent knee surgery for a torn meniscus. He also faced allegations of participating in illegal poker games, which he denied. MLB warned him in 2005 not to participate in such games.

July 24, 2012: Rodriguez fractured hand

On July 24, 2012, Alex Rodriguez was hit in the hand by a pitch and suffered a non-displaced fracture. Earlier in the same game, Hernandez struck out Rodriguez, making Rodriguez the fifth player to record 2,000 career strikeouts in MLB history.

2012: Rodriguez struggles in the 2012 postseason

During the 2012 postseason, Alex Rodriguez struggled, batting 3-for-25 overall and 0-for-18 against right-handed pitchers. The Yankees were eliminated by the 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. It was his second hip surgery in four years, but this operation was more serious. He began the 2013 season on the 60-day disabled list.

2013: Rodriguez returns to Yankees and faces suspension

In 2013, Alex Rodriguez made his return with the Yankees on August 5, the same day MLB announced he would be suspended through the 2014 season for his role in the Biogenesis scandal. He also hit his first home run of the season on August 11 and passed Stan Musial for fifth place in career RBIs.

2014: Rodriguez suspended for the entire 2014 season

In 2014, Alex Rodriguez's suspension, which was announced the previous season but delayed pending an appeal, was upheld, resulting in him being suspended for the entirety of the 2014 regular season and postseason. At the end of the season, it was announced that Rodriguez would no longer serve as an everyday third baseman and would instead serve as a designated hitter.