The New York Yankees are preparing to honor one of Alex Rodriguez's most significant accomplishments.
Rodriguez became the 29th player in MLB history to collect 3,000 hits on June 19 with a solo home run, and the Yankees are preparing a ceremony on Sept. 13 prior to their game with the Toronto Blue Jays in order to celebrate the 40-year-old's milestone.
"I was in disbelief," Rodriguez told reporters following the announcement. "I couldn't believe it. I was extremely excited and flattered, and surprised."
(Courtesy: MLB.com)
The ceremony is another step between the Yankees and A-Rod as they rebuild a relationship that appeared soiled over the winter. Ownership initially attempted to void marketing bonuses contractually owed to the slugger for reaching certain milestones, as they argued Rodriguez tarnished his reputation following a year-long suspension for performance-enhancing drugs.
The sides settled the dispute in early July, with the Yankees making $3.5 million worth of charitable contributions to offset the bonuses Rodriguez was entitled.
"I think it certainly shows how far he's come, how far we've come," general manager Brian Cashman said. "Mistakes can happen, and you can move past it over time. What he has accomplished on the field is pretty special. You can’t argue with the amount of hits he’s put together over the course of his career. It’s an amazing accomplishment."
