Alex Rodriguez to Retire Four Games Shy of 700 Home Runs

Picture Courtesy mlb.com

By Francisco Romero

During a press conference on Sunday, New York Yankees third basemen/designated hitter Alex Rodriguez announced that he is retiring form the game of baseball next Friday (August 12^th).

Once considered the best baseball player in the planet, a chocked up and teary eyed Rodriguez addressed the media, “This is a tough day. I love this game and I love this team, and today I’m saying goodbye to both,” said Rodriguez.

Rodriguez was drafted right out of high school by the Seattle Mariners in 1993 and made his major league debut at the age of 18 in 1994.

“This is also a proud day. I was 18 when I broke into the big leagues. I never thought I could play for 22 years. At 18, I just wanted to make the team,” stated Rodriguez during Sunday’s press conference.

A-Rod will not completely retire from the game or from the Yankees for that matter, as he will remain with the organization as a special assistant to Hal Steinbrenner in helping the organization develop up and coming young talent.

“After spending several days discussing this plan with Alex, I am pleased that he will remain a part of our organization moving forward and transition into a role in which I know he can flourish,” Steinbrenner said in a press release distributed before the press conference.

Alex Rodriguez’s retirement comes at a time when he is just four home runs shy of 700, a milestone that only three players share (Barry Bonds, 762; Hank Aaron 755 and Babe Ruth 714).

“We all want to keep playing forever. But it doesn’t work that way,” said Rodriguez, and he also added that he is at peace with the decision of retiring next Friday.