From the manager who groomed Alex Rodriguez to the Yankees who played with him to the legends who wore the pinstripes ahead of him, the Bombers’ icons at Yankees’ Old-Timers’ Day almost unanimously say A-Rod has paid his dues and deserves all the praise he has received in the wake of Friday’s 3,000-hit milestone.
After Rodriguez missed an entire season due to PED allegations, he became a pariah around baseball. But both his attitude and his play — he’s hitting .283 with 14 home runs including Friday’s historic 3,000th hit on a longball despite turning 40 next month — has won over not only his teammates, but fans and former Yankees alike.
“He’s won the fans over here at Yankee Stadium. That’s a really, really hard thing to [do]. He’s letting his bat and his actions on the field do the talking, that’s good to see,’’ said Lou Piniella, who managed Rodriguez in Seattle for the first seven years of his career, and was disheartened to see A-Rod’s PED scandal.
“I was saddened. This kid was a great player. We got him in Seattle, him and [Ken Griffey Jr.] were at the top of the totem pole. He went to Texas, started having some problems, came to New York.
“But one good thing about this country, you forgive and forget. He had a monumental challenge coming into this year, no question about it. And he’s answered with flying colors. I’m so happy for him.’’
But at least one Yankees Old-Timer offered a different view. Wade Boggs, who played in pinstripes from 1993-97, was asked if he would vote Rodriguez into the Hall of Fame. He replied, “I don’t have a vote.”
When the question was put to him whether he would vote for Rodriguez if he actually did have a vote, he shot back, “I don’t have a vote.’’
As for Piniella, he knows Yankees fans, playing in The Bronx from 1974-84 and being named manager just two years after retiring. But he also isn’t surprised to see his former star win the fans over.
“The fans are fickle,” Piniella said. “If you’re doing well they’re going to like you. If you’re not doing well, they’re not going to like you quite as much.
“Yankee fans root for their team, the team is playing well, and Alex has been an integral part of that, so he’s won them over. It’s heartening to see.’’
Among those who count themselves among Rodriguez supporters is Reggie Jackson.
“I’m an Alex fan,’’ Jackson said of Rodriguez, who had a three-run homer and five RBIs in the Yankees’ 14-3 blowout win over the Tigers on Saturday. “The way he’s handled himself has been pretty fantastic. The way he’s adjusted, the way he’s talked about the team, the way he’s handled himself as a Yankee. We’re all proud of the contributions he’s making, the way he’s gone about his business. [Friday] there was a moment in the clubhouse when he said a few things, and it was a special moment for everybody.
“You could see where he doesn’t have to make an effort to do what he’s doing now. It’s coming natural. He’s been humbled, I think it comes through. I think he’s grateful for the opportunity he has here. The manager and the front office have given him a chance to play, and he’s responded accordingly with their support and the team’s support.
“People want to see him do well. I think people believe he served his time. So for that he’s been forgiven by most. The reception in the crowd [Friday] night, the way his teammates rallied around him, I think it’s really cool. … Alex, his first love after his two daughters is baseball. He’s more at home than he is anywhere.’’
Johnny Damon, Rodriguez’s Bomber teammate from 2006-09, says A-Rod always was good in the clubhouse and hopes he’ll start being recognized for that.
“I’m proud of Alex and everything he’s been able to overcome this year,’’ Damon said. “Alex has always been a great teammate, you can never question that. Now hopefully in time the game will see how important Alex Rodriguez really was … for the stories for the home runs for everything, good bad or indifferent. I’m happy for Alex.’’