New York Yankees

Yankees legends share special messages for Alex Rodriguez before his last game

Published Nov. 15, 2016 3:06 p.m. ET

foxsports

Alex Rodriguez's New York Yankees career comes to an end Friday, as he plays his final game with the club.

Since A-Rod announced the news Sunday that his career in New York -- and possibly in baseball altogether -- the week has been filled with tributes and farewells.

Before Friday's game, A-Rod received what have to be four of the most meaningful tributes of the week.

Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada and Andy Pettitte -- who together were so instrumental to the Yankees' success in the 1990s and 2000s that they were dubbed the "Core Four" -- all released statements honoring Rodriguez and their time together as teammates.

Derek Jeter: “I’ve spent 22 years playing against, playing with and watching Alex from afar, and there are two things that stand out to me the most: the conversations we had when we were young -- hoping for the opportunity to play at the Major League level and then somehow finding a way to stick around -- and the championship we won together in 2009. That was a season everyone on that team can cherish. What people don’t realize is how much time, effort and work that Alex put in on a daily basis. He lives and breathes baseball. I know it will be difficult for him to not be on the field, but I’m sure he will continue to give back to the game. Congrats, Alex.”

Mariano Rivera: "It was a privilege to play with Alex. Through his preparation and work ethic, you saw how much he cared about this game and about helping this team win. I love him -- as a friend and as a teammate. He was all you could ask for in both."

Jorge Posada: "Alex was not only one of the best players in the world, he was also one of the smartest players on the field. It was such a great combination. Please go have fun and enjoy your family -- you are an awesome dad. I'm very proud of you."

Andy Pettitte: “I had a chance to see Alex as a young player in the league, and I knew immediately he was going to be special. It was always fun competing against Alex, but I really enjoyed having the opportunity to play side-by-side with him in New York. He was a big reason we were able to win the 2009 World Series. I wish Alex and his family nothing but the best moving forward.”