Alex Rodriguez was a notoriously disappointing performer in October by the time 2009 rolled around, at least since arriving to the Yankees in 2004 via a blockbuster trade with the Rangers.
But all of that changed in 2009, as Rodriguez led the Yanks to their most recent World Series title with an all-time dominant playoff performance, beginning with a dramatic home run in the ALDS against the Twins in game two.
For Rodriguez, he told Morash and Tiki that it came down to relying on the dangerous hitters around him, like World Series MVP Hideki Matsui.
“It kind of all came together because I finally starting trusting ‘we’ and not ‘I,’” Rodriguez said. “Matsui, he was so hot, I realized I didn’t have to be the hero. I didn’t have to hit a grand slam with nobody on base.”
Rodriguez’s new mindset helped him become a world champion for the first time, and ended a nine-year drought for the Bombers.
“I was happy as hell because it had been 15 years, and I was relieved,” Rodriguez said. “Growing up in Miami rooting for Dan Marino, and him having to answer questions about not winning a championship…I was just so relieved to be a small part of a great team in 2009.”
The 2009 season marked the high point for Rodriguez’s Yankee tenure, and while there was plenty of drama in the years afterward, he says his relationship with Yankee fans couldn’t be better.
“I think it’s 10 out of 10,” Rodriguez said. “Even here on vacation, I’ve had people say thanks for 2009…I really think they appreciate someone who is tough, gritty, has perseverance, and doesn’t give up.”