Alex Rodriguez

Born in New York City on July 27, 1975, Alexander Emmanuel Rodriguez is an American baseball player. Also known as A-Rod, the pro-baseball player of Dominican descent has played with three different Major League teams. A-Rod began playing baseball at Miami's Westminster Christian High School. After noticing this potential, Rodriguez was offered a baseball scholarship at the University of Miami. Too good for college ball, Alex was recruited by the Seattle Mariners when he was 17 years old. Not only was he the No.1 pick of the amateur draft in 1993, he was one of the youngest players to appear playing the shortstop position. The superstar hit 36 homeruns and had a batting average of .358. A-Rod led the American League in runs, total bases, and doubles. Rodriguez also came close to being the youngest MVP in baseball history, however was behind to Juan Gonzalez by three points. After the 2000 season, Rodriguez became a free agent as he wanted to play with for a World-Series caliber team. Unable to make a great deal with the Mariners, Rodriguez chose to sign with the Texas Rangers. During his time spent with the Rangers, Rodriguez won two Golden Glove Awards, however was not satisfied with the team as they finished last two years running. On February 15, 2004, Alex Rodriguez was traded to the New York Yankees for second baseman Alfonso Soriano and Joaquin Arias. Not able to play with his uniform number 3 that he wore his entire career as it was retired by the Yankees in honor of Babe Ruth, A-Rod chose 13. With team captain Derek Jeter playing shortstop, Rodriguez switched to 3rd base. Rodriguez started his career with the Yankees strongly. After he finished 14th in the American League MVP award balloting list, manager Joe Torre moved Rodriguez to the No.2 spot in the batting order. Alex Rodriguez is a perfectionist; his swing and defensive play are known for their fundamental steadiness. With a smooth transition from shortstop to third base with almost no drop-off in either range or accuracy, Rodriguez has turned into one of the superstars in the star-studded Yankees.