A mere 1,509 games later, Alex Rodriguez's stint in the Bronx is coming to an end.
In his final game with the New York Yankees, and possibly the last game of his MLB career, Rodriguez will start at designated hitter and bat third for the Bronx Bombers on Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Rodriguez asked manager Joe Girardi to allow him to play at third base in his New York send-off, but the skipper denied his request.
With Chris Archer on the mound for the Rays, Girardi is betting on Rodriguez evoking memories of the home run he hit in May against the Tampa Bay starter.
"I'm hoping he finds some magic tonight," Girardi said pregame Friday, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.
Following Friday's game, the Yankees will release the 41-year-old, though management has offered him a position with the club as a special adviser. Rodriguez would still be eligible to sign with any MLB club, however, if he so chooses.
Related: Cashman: It was 'f---ing crazy' to think A-Rod would take adviser gig
Though Rodriguez's time in New York will undoubtedly be remembered as tumultuous, one certainty of the controversial superstar's stint in pinstripes will be his numerous accolades with the club. In 12 seasons with the Yankees, Rodriguez has won a World Series title, two American League MVP awards, and six All-Star nominations.
Rodriguez drove in a run Thursday in his penultimate game with the Yankees on a bases-loaded weak grounder in the eighth inning against the Boston Red Sox.
