Alex Rodriguez is one of sports' most talked about icons. A man hated and loved by millions. Red Sox fans loved him during trade talks until he became a Yankee. Yankee fans hated him for becoming Yankee. New York is the toughest place to play sports—has been and always will be. It's Gotham. It's one of the world's most famous locations ever. If you think playing in New York is easy, ask Carl Pavano, Randy Johnson, Kevin Brown, Stephon Marbury, or Mark Sanchez.
I personally took verbal bashings for my loyal support of a man who was at times, hard to remain loyal to. I knew he had the potential. He needed to be A-Rod, not what the media and fans wanted him to be. At times, he was fearsome, and others vulnerable, and dare I say, human?
Now, Yankee fans are lining up to herald him as a "true Yankee." He always was—some of you fans weren't. Any team would love to have this guy as a part of their team, especially those who adamantly deny it.
Involved in numerous scandals, he was a popular target for those with nothing to gain. Irrelevant numbskulls seeking some personal glory for kicking a man while he's down. Congratulations morons. Can you see him now?
Not only was he a major factor during the season, he was an offensive behemoth. He put up records and numbers this past post season that rival Mr. October's. He didn't get the credit he deserved for bringing back the Yankees in most of their play off wins. Shadowed by home runs after he tied or put us in position to tie almost nightly. When Tex struggled, A-Rod dominated. Taking nothing from the rest of the team, as each one of them contributed, but none were as scrutinized as No. 13. This man literally had the weight of the world on his shoulders.
The picture above shows him with his head down. Mr. Rodriguez, hold your head up high and straight. I am personally happy that he can relax, and watch his critics grovel at his feet. I believed in you, now all of baseball does, too.
In my eyes you were a "true Yankee'' before the ring. Mattingly has no rings as a player, yet he's a "true Yankee." Even the illustrious Joe Torre made him his personal punching bag. I love you, Joe, but you were wrong, man.
Thanks for coming to New York and putting up with our crap, Mr. Rodriguez. Thank you for remaining loyal to us, when we weren't to you. Not all of us, but most of us were buying into the media crap. I had a chance to see a game on 9/14/2008. First time ever in the "Old Yankee Stadium." Pavano was pitching and believe it or not, he got the win. Giambi and Jeter homered. A-Rod Grand Slammed. I was screaming like a damn fool. It was pure bliss. I can't wait to get to the new stadium and watch my Yankees continue their dominance in baseball, and sports in general. The Yankees are a "true dynasty", and Alex is a "True Yankee" Got that off my chest.
I believe that we have not seen the last of World Series rings with lucky No. 13.
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