The Scandal, Success & Power Moves of Alex Rodriguez
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Full Name: Alexander Emmanuel Rodriguez
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Nickname: A-Rod
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Age: 49 (as of 2025)
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Birthplace: New York City, New York, USA
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Height: 6 ft 3 in (1.90 m)
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Nationality: American
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Profession: Former MLB Player, Entrepreneur, Broadcaster
From baseball prodigy to controversial legend and business mogul, Alex Rodriguez—widely known as A-Rod—has lived one of the most explosive and talked-about careers in sports history. His journey has included jaw-dropping highs, headline-making lows, and a post-retirement evolution that rivals his athletic achievements.
Early Stardom: The Rise of a Baseball Phenom
Alex Rodriguez burst onto the MLB scene in 1994 with the Seattle Mariners, quickly making waves as one of the league’s most promising shortstops. At just 18, his talent was undeniable. By 1996, A-Rod had his breakout season, batting .358 and finishing second in MVP voting.
He later signed a then-record-breaking 10-year, $252 million contract with the Texas Rangers in 2001—instantly becoming one of the highest-paid athletes in sports history.
Yankees Dynasty & Career Milestones
In 2004, Rodriguez was traded to the New York Yankees, where he transitioned to third base and helped form one of MLB’s most powerful lineups.
Some major highlights include:
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3× AL MVP (2003, 2005, 2007)
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14× All-Star
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696 career home runs (4th all-time)
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2009 World Series Champion with the Yankees
Despite his elite performance, Rodriguez’s career was clouded by controversy, including a suspension for performance-enhancing drugs that kept him out for the entire 2014 season.
The Scandal That Shook Baseball
A-Rod’s admission to using PEDs during parts of his career turned him from golden boy to media target. While it tarnished his legacy, Rodriguez has since owned up to his past, reshaped his image, and re-entered the sports world as a respected analyst and businessman.
Related: Top 10 Richest Baseball Players in the World
Related: MLB on Brink of Chaos: Salary Cap War Could Spark 2026 Lockout
Endorsement Deals and Business Empire
Even with controversy, Rodriguez has remained a marketable figure. At his peak, he had endorsement deals with:
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Nike
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Pepsi
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Rawlings
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Gatorade
Post-baseball, he’s become a business powerhouse, founding A-Rod Corp, with investments in real estate, tech startups, and fitness ventures. He's also co-hosted Shark Tank and made headlines for his media presence and relationship with Jennifer Lopez.
Legacy: More Than Just Baseball
Love him or hate him, Alex Rodriguez is an icon whose story is part cautionary tale, part comeback saga. From MVP to media mogul, his career continues to evolve.
