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 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

1914: Second time in MLB history that a reigning MVP was traded

On February 15, 2004, the Rangers traded Rodriguez to the New York Yankees, becoming only the second time in MLB history that a reigning MVP was traded, with the first coming in 1914.

1932: First player since 1932 with 50 homers and 200 hits in a season

In 2001, Alex Rodriguez became the first player since 1932 to achieve 50 home runs and 200 hits in a single season.

May 24, 1936: Most by a Yankee since 1936

On April 26, 2005, Rodriguez drove in 10 runs against the Angels, marking the most by a Yankee since Tony Lazzeri's record of 11 on May 24, 1936.

1958: Surpassing Ernie Banks' record of 47 home runs in 1958

In 2001, Alex Rodriguez's 52 home runs surpassed Ernie Banks' shortstop record of 47 home runs set in 1958.

1961: Most home runs since Roger Maris' league record 61 in 1961

In 2002, Alex Rodriguez achieved the most home runs for a shortstop for the second straight year and the most since Roger Maris' league record of 61 in 1961.

1968: Second AL player since 1968 to lead the league in runs, homers, and total bases

In 2001, Alex Rodriguez became the second AL player since 1968 to lead the league in runs, home runs, and total bases.

1980: Breaking Mike Schmidt's mark of 48 home runs in 1980

In 2001, Alex Rodriguez surpassed Phillies 3B Mike Schmidt's mark of 48 home runs in 1980, achieving the most ever for an infielder other than a first baseman.

1984: First player to lead in home runs, RBIs and total bases since 1984

In 2002, Alex Rodriguez led the major leagues with 57 home runs, 142 RBIs, and 389 total bases, making him the first player to lead in all three categories since 1984.

1995: First AL player from outside the AL West to win the award since 1995

In 2005, Rodriguez won his second AL MVP Award and became the first AL player from outside the AL West to win the award since Mo Vaughn of the Boston Red Sox won in 1995.

1996: Became the 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.

1998: Set AL Record for Home Runs by a Shortstop

In 1998, Alex Rodriguez set the AL record for home runs by a shortstop, joined the 40-40 club, won his second Silver Slugger Award, and was selected as Players Choice AL Player of the Year.

1999: Performance in 1999 Season

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.

2000: Matching a team record with Iván Rodríguez in 2000

In 2002, Alex Rodriguez's nine home runs in April matched a team record that was shared with Iván Rodríguez in 2000, among others.

2001: Top offensive season for a shortstop

In 2001, Alex Rodriguez had a top offensive season as a shortstop, leading the AL with 52 home runs, 133 runs scored, and 393 total bases. He also started 161 games at shortstop and one as the DH, the only major league player to start all of his team's games that year.

2002: Major league-best 57 home runs, 142 RBIs and 389 total bases

In 2002, Alex Rodriguez achieved a major league-best of 57 home runs, 142 RBIs and 389 total bases and won his first Gold Glove Award.

2003: Won First AL MVP Award

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

2003: Rodriguez's last year with the Rangers

In 2003, Rodriguez played his last year with the Rangers and led the AL in home runs, runs scored, and slugging percentage. He won his second consecutive Gold Glove Award and became the youngest player to hit 300 homers, also winning his second Babe Ruth Home Run Award.

2004: "Honorary Alumnus" title

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

2005: Named AL MVP

In 2005, Alex Rodriguez was named AL MVP as a member of the New York Yankees.

2005: Youngest player in MLB history to reach the 400 home run mark

In 2005, Rodriguez led the AL with 124 runs and 48 home runs and became the youngest player in MLB history to reach the 400 home run 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.

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: Career year in 2007

In 2007, Alex Rodriguez had a career year, becoming the first player in major league history to have at least 35 home runs, 100 runs, and 100 RBIs in 10 consecutive seasons, leading the AL in multiple categories and winning his third Babe Ruth Home Run Award.

2007: Rodriguez one of four AL batters with at least 18 home runs and 18 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, along with Torii Hunter, Ian Kinsler, and Grady Sizemore.

September 3, 2008: Rodriguez hits 549th home run

On September 3, 2008, Alex Rodriguez hit his 549th home run against the Tampa Bay Rays. The play was reviewed using instant replay for the first time in MLB history to confirm the umpire's ruling.

2009: Positive comparisons to Reggie Jackson

Following his performance in the 2009 postseason, Alex Rodriguez started receiving positive comparisons to Reggie Jackson.

2009: Won World Series with Yankees

In 2009, Alex Rodriguez helped the Yankees win the World Series over the Philadelphia Phillies, marking Rodriguez's only championship title.

2009: Rodriguez wins World Series with Yankees and Babe Ruth Award

In 2009, Alex Rodriguez won the World Series with the Yankees against the Phillies, hitting a home run in Game 3 that was initially ruled a double. He also drove in the go-ahead run in Game 4. He was named the Babe Ruth Award winner as the postseason MVP, batting .365 with six home runs and 18 RBI.

2009: Rodriguez contributes key hits in the ALDS and ALCS

In the 2009 ALDS against Minnesota, Alex Rodriguez had two RBI singles in Game 1 and hit a game-tying homer in Game 2. In the ALCS, he hit a game-tying home run in Game 2 against the Angels. He batted .429 with three home runs in the ALCS.

2009: Exceptional postseason performance

In the 2009 postseason, Alex Rodriguez had a .365 batting average and hit six home runs in 52 at-bats during the Yankees' 15 post-season games.

August 4, 2010: Rodriguez hits his 600th career home run

On August 4, 2010, Alex Rodriguez hit his 600th career home run off Shaun Marcum of the Toronto Blue Jays, becoming the youngest player in MLB history to reach this milestone at 35 years and 8 days old.

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

On June 12, 2012, Alex Rodriguez hit his 23rd career grand slam against the Atlanta Braves, tying Lou Gehrig for the most in MLB history.

2013: Rodriguez breaks grand slam record.

On September 20, 2013, at Yankee Stadium, Alex Rodriguez hit his 24th career grand slam, breaking the all-time grand slam record formerly held by Lou Gehrig. For the 2013 season, Rodriguez played in only 44 games batting .244 with seven home runs and 19 RBI.