The year 2007 marked a crossroads for Alex Rodriguez. With his future with the Yankees uncertain, Rodriguez, fresh off winning his third American League Most Valuable Player (AL MVP) award, sought advice from trusted friends and mentors. Among them was Mariano Rivera, who played a key role in convincing Rodriguez to rebuild his relationship with the Yankees organization after opting out of his contract. Rivera’s consistent counsel was instrumental in helping A-Rod secure a historic 10-year, $275 million deal — the largest contract in American sports at the time.

Seventeen years after their pivotal moments with the New York Yankees, Rodriguez has once again expressed his admiration for former teammate Rivera, reaffirming their bond and the closer’s iconic status in baseball history. In a heartfelt Instagram story posted Thursday, Rodriguez shared a throwback photo with Rivera, calling him the “GOAT of GOATS” — the greatest among all-time greats. The post rekindled memories of the duo’s shared glory and their pivotal roles in the Yankees’ legacy during the late 2000s.

Rodriguez fondly reflected on Rivera’s influence during that pivotal period, saying, “Mariano is obviously somebody we can’t live without because he’s one of a kind and so unique in what he does for us. And he’s such an unbelievable force in our clubhouse. In many ways, he’s the voice for a lot of people in there. He’s very, very special, and a very, very close friend of mine.”

Rivera himself signed a record-breaking contract extension that 2007 offseason, agreeing to a three-year, $45 million deal — the richest ever for a relief pitcher at the time. This cemented his position as the Yankees’ closer for the foreseeable future and symbolized the team’s commitment to retaining its core legends. That offseason also saw the Yankees extend contracts to other key players like Jorge Posada and Andy Pettitte, solidifying the foundation of a roster that would win another World Series in 2009.
Shannon Stapleton / Reuters

Rodriguez’s eternal admiration for Rivera

A-Rod’s recent Instagram post underscores his enduring admiration for Rivera, whose legacy has only grown since his retirement. Rodriguez’s praise for the Yankees legend has been consistent over the years, often highlighting Rivera’s unmatched professionalism, humility, and on-field dominance. In 2019, when he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame as the first unanimous inductee in MLB history, Rodriguez lauded his former teammate, saying, “He’s one of the most impressive human beings I’ve ever met. He’s like 007. He does it all, he’s like a surgeon.”

Rivera’s career was defined by his simplicity and effectiveness. His signature pitch, the cutter, became one of the most feared weapons in baseball, baffling even the game’s best hitters. Over his 19-year career with the Yankees, Rivera posted a remarkable 2.21 ERA, collected 652 saves (the most in MLB history), and delivered 11 seasons with an ERA under 2.00. His postseason dominance further solidified his legacy, with a staggering 0.70 ERA in 96 playoff appearances.

Rodriguez and Rivera’s careers intersected during one of the Yankees’ most transformative eras. Together, they helped the team secure its 27th World Series championship in 2009, a moment that remains a defining highlight for both players. Their contributions during that period — Rodriguez’s offensive firepower and Rivera’s lockdown closing performances — were critical to the team’s success.

Despite their contrasting journeys, their shared legacy with the Yankees binds them together. A-Rod’s recent Instagram post is a poignant reminder of the respect and camaraderie that defined their relationship.

Contrasting journeys of two Yankees legends

While both Rodriguez and Rivera left indelible marks on the Yankees’ storied history, their post-playing careers have taken starkly different paths. The pitcher’s career has been celebrated as the epitome of integrity and excellence. In addition to his Hall of Fame induction, Mo received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019, an honor that reflects his contributions both on and off the field.
Jason Szenes /New York Times
In contrast, Rodriguez’s career has been clouded by controversies, including admissions of performance-enhancing drug (PED) use and a year-long suspension in 2014. Despite his three AL MVP awards, 696 career home runs, and numerous accolades, A-Rod has yet to gain significant traction in Hall of Fame voting, with many voters hesitant to overlook his past indiscretions.

Nevertheless, Rodriguez has worked diligently to rehabilitate his public image, becoming a prominent baseball analyst and media personality. His praise for Rivera is a testament to his recognition of the values and virtues that defined his former teammate’s career.

Mariano Rivera: Baseball standard for the ages

Even a decade after his retirement, Rivera remains the gold standard for closers. No reliever has come close to replicating his dominance, and his consistency continues to inspire a new generation of pitchers. As baseball evolves, Mo’s legacy serves as a guiding light, showcasing the power of simplicity, mental toughness, and precision.

Rivera’s influence extends beyond his on-field achievements. Known for his humility and quiet leadership, He was a unifying presence in the Yankees’ clubhouse. His ability to lead by example made him a respected figure not only among teammates but also throughout the league.

Rodriguez’s tribute to Rivera comes at a time when fans and analysts are reflecting on the legacies of baseball’s greats. For A-Rod, the post serves as both a celebration of Rivera’s unparalleled career and a reminder of the standards to which he holds himself and others. For Mo, it is yet another testament to the impact he has had on those who played alongside him.

As the baseball world continues to evolve, the stories of players like Mariano Rivera and Alex Rodriguez remind us of the complexities, triumphs, and challenges that define the game. Rivera’s status as the “GOAT of GOATS” is unquestioned, and Rodriguez’s admiration only reinforces the enduring legacy of one of baseball’s most iconic figures.

When Derek Jeter and Andy Pettitte went to the mound to take Mariano Rivera out for the final time. pic.twitter.com/u3Mtm9HevN

— Baseball’s Greatest Moments (@BBGreatMoments) December 20, 2024

In the end, Rodriguez’s heartfelt tribute captures the essence of Rivera’s greatness. As the “Sandman” continues to inspire, his legacy serves as a timeless standard for excellence — one that will be celebrated for generations to come.

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