During the celebration after Derek Jeter’s 3,000th hit yesterday, Alex Rodriguez hugged his teammate.
“You’re amazing, bro,” A-Rod told him.
Rodriguez said he was dazzled by Jeter’s magic yesterday at Yankee Stadium in the Yankees’ 5-4 win over the Rays. The superstar third baseman marveled over Jeter’s spectacular 3,000th hit, the fact he has collected all of his 3,003 hits in a Yankees uniform and the team captain’s performance in the victory.
“Days like today remind you of the icon that this guy is,” Rodriguez said. “I’ve said it all along, 3,000 hits in a Yankee uniform for me, is like getting straight A’s at Harvard.
“He’s been a great student.”
Rodriguez, who wasn’t playing because of a small meniscus tear in his right knee that may require surgery, said he and CC Sabathia were sitting in the dugout during Jeter’s third-inning at-bat against Tampa Bay’s David Price.
Rodriguez recalled a particular swing that Jeter took in the at-bat off what he thought was a Price changeup and made a call.
“I’m just sitting there next to CC and I think he fouled off a 2-1 changeup and just took a great swing,” Rodriguez said. “And I said, ‘CC, he’s liable if he gets another pitch like that to hit a home run.’ And sure enough, he hits it out.
“It leaves you kind of speechless. I just can think of only one person that can have a day like today, the timing and at home, is Derek Jeter.”
For Rodriguez, Jeter’s milestone game will be a lifelong memory.
“There’s no question, he gave us all — you guys, me, everyone that’s in the ballpark, all 48,000 people — a day to remember forever,” Rodriguez said. “That’s for sure.”
Rodriguez also was especially appreciative of Jeter’s 5-for-5, two-run, two-RBI day, considering the fact the Yankees had lost four of their previous five games.
“First of all, we rode his back today,” Rodriguez said. “We needed a win.”