Alex Rodriguez's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Alex Rodriguez.

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.

1926: Longest such streak in American League history

From 1926–38, Lou Gehrig did so in 13 straight seasons.

1932: Foxx Accomplished Feat in Nine Straight Seasons

From 1932 to 1940, Jimmie Foxx was one of only two players in Major League history to compile at least 35 home runs, 100 runs and 100 RBIs in eight consecutive seasons.

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.

May 24, 1936: Most RBIs by a Yankee

On May 24, 1936, Tony Lazzeri established the franchise and American League record with 11 RBIs.

1937: DiMaggio's Mark

In 1937, Joe DiMaggio previously held the single-season club record for right-handed batters at Yankee Stadium

1940: Foxx Accomplished Feat in Nine Straight Seasons

From 1932 to 1940, Jimmie Foxx was one of only two players in Major League history to compile at least 35 home runs, 100 runs and 100 RBIs in eight consecutive seasons.

1953: Longest Streak in the American League Since Mickey Mantle

Between 1953 and 1961, Mickey Mantle scored at least 100 runs.

1955: Longest Streak in the Major Leagues Since Hank Aaron

From 1955 to 1967, Hank Aaron scored at least 100 runs.

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: Longest Streak in the American League Since Mickey Mantle

Between 1953 and 1961, Mickey Mantle scored at least 100 runs.

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.

1967: Longest Streak in the Major Leagues Since Hank Aaron

From 1955 to 1967, Hank Aaron scored at least 100 runs.

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.

1995: Vaughn of the Boston Red Sox won MVP Award

In 1995, Mo Vaughn of the Boston Red Sox won the AL MVP Award.

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: 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.

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.

1999: Home Runs and Stolen Bases

In 1999, Alex Rodriguez had a .310 average, 42 home runs, and 111 RBIs. At the time, he was the youngest-ever player to record 100 home runs and 100 stolen bases, at 23 years and 309 days of age.

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).

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.

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: 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: 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: Positive Drug Test

In 2003, Alex Rodriguez tested positive for anabolic steroids. He also captured his first American League Most Valuable Player award, broke 300 career home runs (hitting 47 that year), and earned one of his ten Silver Slugger Awards.

2003: Won AL MVP Award

In 2003, Alex Rodriguez won his first AL MVP Award while playing with the Texas Rangers.

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.

2004: Named Honorary Alumnus of University of Miami

Alex Rodriguez was named an "honorary alumnus" of the University of Miami in 2004.

2004: Sheffield's Mark

In 2004, Gary Sheffield previously held the single-season club record for right-handed batters at Yankee Stadium

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.

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.

2005: Named AL MVP

In 2005, Alex Rodriguez was named AL MVP.

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.

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: Edward T. Foote II Alumnus of Distinction Award

Despite not having attended the school, Alex Rodriguez received the University of Miami's Edward T. Foote II Alumnus of Distinction Award in 2007 as an honorary alumnus.

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: 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: Record shared through 2008

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

2008: Power speed record

Through at least 2008, Alex Rodriguez's Power-speed number was the highest single season Power/Speed Number ever.

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: Comparisons to Reggie Jackson

After his performance in the 2009 postseason, Alex Rodriguez started receiving positive comparisons to Reggie Jackson, even being selected as "Mr. October" by Jackson and USA Today.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

2019: Emmy Nomination

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

November 22, 2021: Included on National Baseball Hall of Fame ballot

On November 22, 2021, Alex Rodriguez was included on the ballot for the National Baseball Hall of Fame class of 2022.

2022: Hall of Fame Vote Total

In 2022, during his first year of eligibility for the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Alex Rodriguez's highest vote total was 35.7%, short of the 75% threshold for election.