A-Rod praises Ortiz's heroics: 'He's unbelievable'

Greatness recognize greatness.

That's why New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez was left shaking his head Friday following David Ortiz's two-run homer, which lifted his Boston Red Sox to victory.

"I've been seeing it since A-ball in Appleton, Wis., (when I was) with the Mariners," Rodriguez told Brendan Kuty of NJ.com. "He's unbelievable. I don't have anything else to say. He's unbelievable."

Rodriguez and Ortiz, who've combined to smack 1,198 big-league homers, have a history going back to their days as prospects in the Seattle organization. Their long friendship was previously scuttled due to a feud, but that was apparently put to rest in spring training. On Friday, the pair of 40-something sluggers were even seen schmoozing before the game.

Related - A-Rod: Ortiz deserves standing ovation at Yankee Stadium

Though he wasn't happy with losing the game thanks to Ortiz's blast, Rodriguez - who also homered on Friday - expressed amazement at how they're both still mashing in the big leagues despite advancing in age.

"If you told me 10 years ago that Big Papi and I would be hitting home runs at 40 I probably would have laughed," Rodriguez said. "But obviously winning the game is the most important thing."