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. He played for the Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, and New York Yankees over 22 seasons. Once a highly touted prospect, he's considered one of baseball's greatest players. Currently, Rodriguez is the chairman and CEO of A-Rod Corp, chairman of Presidente beer, and owns a controlling interest in the Minnesota Timberwolves. His career combines success on the field with entrepreneurial ventures.

Sections (6)

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

2001: Rangers finish last in AL Western division

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

2001: Rodriguez admits to steroid use starting in 2001

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

2003: Trade with the Boston Red Sox

Following the 2003 season, The Rangers agreed to a trade with the Boston Red Sox, sending Rodriguez to Boston, but the Major League Baseball Players Association vetoed the deal because it called for a voluntary reduction in salary by Rodriguez.

2003: Rodriguez tests positive for performance-enhancing drugs

In 2003, Alex Rodriguez tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs. The report was compiled as part of Major League Baseball's survey to see whether a mandatory random drug testing program might be necessary.

July 24, 2004: Scuffle with Jason Varitek

On July 24, 2004, during his first season with the Yankees, Alex 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: Rodriguez struggles with runners on base in the postseason

Dating back to Game 4 of the 2004 AL Championship Series, Alex Rodriguez had batted with 38 runners on base over a span of 61 postseason at-bats and had not brought any of them in, going 0-for-29 with runners on base.

2004: Controversial play in Game 6 of ALCS

During Game 6 of the 2004 American League Championship Series, Alex Rodriguez was called out for interference after hitting a slow roller and swiping at pitcher Bronson Arroyo's glove. The Yankees then lost the ALCS.

2004: Drew criticism due to unsuccessful Yankees postseasons

From 2004 to 2007, Alex Rodriguez faced criticism in the New York area due to the Yankees' unsuccessful postseasons, particularly his sub-.200 batting average in the 2005 and 2006 postseasons.

2004: Boone suffers a knee injury

In 2004, Yankees third baseman Aaron Boone suffered a knee injury while playing basketball that sidelined him for the entire season, creating a vacancy at third base.

2005: Drew criticism due to unsuccessful Yankees postseasons

From 2004 to 2007, Alex Rodriguez faced criticism in the New York area due to the Yankees' unsuccessful postseasons, particularly his sub-.200 batting average in the 2005 and 2006 postseasons.

2006: Rodriguez's performance in 2006

For the 2006 season, 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.

2006: Drew criticism due to unsuccessful Yankees postseasons

From 2004 to 2007, Alex Rodriguez faced criticism in the New York area due to the Yankees' unsuccessful postseasons, particularly his sub-.200 batting average in the 2005 and 2006 postseasons.

2007: Drew criticism due to unsuccessful Yankees postseasons

From 2004 to 2007, Alex Rodriguez faced criticism in the New York area due to the Yankees' unsuccessful postseasons, particularly his sub-.200 batting average in the 2005 and 2006 postseasons.

2007: Rodriguez reduces body fat

In 2007, Alex Rodriguez reduced his body fat from 16% to 9%. He revealed that he and Derek Jeter were no longer close friends.

2008: Hit .264 with runners in scoring position

In 2008, Alex Rodriguez hit only .264 with runners in scoring position and two outs, with 19 hits in 95 plate appearances and 20 strikeouts with runners in scoring position.

February 7, 2009: Report of Rodriguez's positive steroid test

On February 7, 2009, Sports Illustrated reported that Alex Rodriguez tested positive for testosterone and 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

In 2009, Alex Rodriguez was scheduled to play in the World Baseball Classic for the Dominican Republic but withdrew due to a cyst and torn labrum in his hip, requiring arthroscopic surgery.

2009: Received nickname "A-Fraud"

In 2009, according to Joe Torre's book, Alex Rodriguez earned the nickname "A-Fraud" from teammates and clubhouse attendants who resented his demands.

2011: Rodriguez has arthroscopic surgery on his knee to repair a torn meniscus

In 2011, Alex Rodriguez batted .295 with 13 home runs and 52 RBIs prior to the All-Star break. He was placed on the disabled list when he opted for arthroscopic surgery on his knee to repair a torn meniscus that impacted his power. He was also facing allegations of participating in illegal poker games.

July 24, 2012: Rodriguez hit by pitch, records 2,000th strikeout

On July 24, 2012, Alex Rodriguez was hit by a pitch, fracturing his hand, and placed on the disabled list. Earlier in the game, he recorded his 2,000th career strikeout.

2012: Rodriguez struggles in the 2012 Postseason

During the 2012 postseason, Alex Rodriguez struggled and was frequently removed for a pinch hitter and did not start multiple games. The Yankees were ultimately eliminated by the Tigers in the 2012 ALCS.

2012: Rodriguez accused the Yankees of mishandling his hip injury

In 2013, after his return, Alex Rodriguez's lawyers accused the Yankees of mishandling his hip injury, alleging that the team withheld the injury from him and continued to play him in 2012 despite his condition.

January 16, 2013: Rodriguez undergoes hip surgery

On January 16, 2013, Alex Rodriguez underwent arthroscopic hip surgery for the second time in four years. This operation was more serious than the previous one. As a result, Rodriguez began the 2013 season on the 60-day disabled list.

2013: MLB announces Rodriguez's suspension for Biogenesis scandal

In 2013, Alex Rodriguez made his return with the Yankees on August 5, the same day that MLB announced that he would be suspended through the 2014 season for his role in the Biogenesis scandal. Rodriguez continued to feud with the Yankees front office following his return.

2013: Played in only 44 games

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

2014: MLB announces Rodriguez's suspension for Biogenesis scandal

In 2013, MLB announced that Alex Rodriguez would be suspended through the 2014 season for his role in the Biogenesis scandal.

2014: Suspension upheld for the entire season

In 2014, Alex Rodriguez's suspension, previously announced but delayed, was upheld, leading to his suspension for the entire regular season and postseason. Also in 2014, it was announced he would no longer be an everyday third baseman and would serve as a designated hitter.

2022: Hall of Fame Eligibility

In 2022, Alex Rodriguez was up for election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, receiving a maximum of 35.7% of votes in his first three years of eligibility, short of the 75% threshold required for election.