Yankees’ Alex Rodriguez Passes Willie Mays on Home Runs List

Photo Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Photo Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Thursday night, May 7, 2015, history was made in Yankees stadium. Controversial designated hitter Alex Rodriguez surpassed iconic Willie Mays on the all-time home run list. Rodriguez now has hit 661 home runs in his career, good for fourth all-time.

Rodriguez, batting third in the lineup that night, stepped into the batters’ box in the first inning. Chris Tillman, Baltimore Orioles pitcher, set up a fastball away in which Rodriguez drilled to right field, only to be robbed up a three-run home run by outfielder Delmon Young. During Rodriguez’s second at-bat, in the third inning, he belted the ball into left-center field, good to pass Mays, officially.

Following his achievement, and rounding the bases, the Yankees’ crowd encouraged him for a curtain call. Later, we learned that the curtain call was “awkward” for Rodriguez.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve had a curtain call,” he said. “I didn’t know what to expect from the fans. I can tell you this (I wish I could) thank every fan personally for not only the way they’ve treated me all tonight, but for the way they’ve treated me all season” (Kuty).

Aside from the iconic moment, the Yankees appreciated the home run, in terms of winning the game. Following the home run, the Yankees took a 3-2 lead over the Orioles; eventually the Yankees would win the game by one run, 4-3.

Rodriguez has underwent constant scrutiny throughout his career, especially in recent years with the PED outbreak. After sitting out the entire 2014 season, Rodriguez was concerned if he would be an effective member of the team, but also with the atmosphere fans would provide around him.

“…the way the fans have allowed me to come back and play baseball, the way I repay them is by working hard and playing hard and by trying to help our team win” (Kuty).

This will not be the last iconic achievement Rodriguez will accomplish. In addition to passing Mays on the home runs list, Rodriguez is nearing a career total of 3,000 hits. Holding a total of 2,962 hits (Baseball-Reference.com), Rodriguez needs a total of 38 additional hits to garner 3,000 hits. The last Yankee to achieve this feat was Derek Jeter.

In short, Rodriguez has aided the Yankees to a winning record of 18-11, good for first in the American League East, but with the presence of his iconic achievements.