A-Rod takes pride at being 40 and still playing in majors: 'I'm in a good place'

ARLINGTON, Texas - Alex Rodriguez says there is a certain amount of pride being 40 years old and still playing the major leagues.

A-Rod marked his 40th birthday Monday night in the New York Yankees' series opener at the Texas Rangers, the team that gave him his first huge contract.

"Some days I feel like 50," he told reporters when asked whether he feels his age. "There are some days I feel like 30. Overall, I'm happy, healthy. I'm in a good place."

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Rodriguez says there was a time when hitting home runs and being a great player were all that mattered, and that the more homers he hit ''would justify for whatever behavior'' he had off the field. He didn't specifically mention his season-long suspension last year for violations of baseball's drug agreement and labor contract.

"It was a good time to give me pause," Rodriguez recalled. "Just get a full understanding of making smart choices and surrounding myself with good people and really appreciating everything that life and baseball has to offer."

Best OPS+ in age-39-or-older season (since 1900)

(Courtesy: ESPN)

Rodriguez, who has two years and $42 million remaining on his contract, says despite this season's success - he has 23 homers and his highest OPS (.914) since 2009 - he's not looking beyond October.

"My focus is 2015 and trying to get us a championship," he said. "It is good to see when you work hard and you are in a good place, good things can happen."

- With files from theScore