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