Rodriguez accepts home-run mark is tarnished
Despite tying Taylor Mays, the New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez concedes he will not be viewed on the same level as the legendary slugger.
Alex Rodriguez accepted that his one-year drugs ban means he will never be viewed in the same light as Taylor Mays after tying the legendary slugger with his 660th home run.
New York Yankees star Rodriguez moved level with the former New York and San Francisco Giants center fielder for fourth on the all-time list on Friday by hitting a soaring shot into left-field and over Fenway Park's fabled 'green monster' to secure a 3-2 win at the top of the eighth inning.
The hit was not greeted with any fanfare, with Rodriguez's legacy tarnished in the eyes of many after he was suspended for the entire 2014 season for violating the league's performance-enhancing drugs policy.
"I love Willie, he's one of my heroes, and he was my father's favourite player,'' Rodriguez said.
"In the time that he did it, there's absolutely no comparison of me or anyone else to Willie Mays. All of us who love baseball, we love Willie.
"Not only is Willie a baseball legend, but he's also an American icon.
"The only thing I can control is what I do from here on out, and how I conduct myself both on and off the field. I can't really decide for other people what to think.
"You know I have regrets, and I'm trying to do the best to finish my career on a high note."
Despite the recent controversy surrounding his career, it was emotional moment for Rodriguez.
"I was thinking about when I was 18 years old, and I got my first hit here,'' Rodriguez said. "My parents were in the stands. I was so excited to play with Ken Griffey Jr and Edgar Martinez. A week later I faced Roger Clemens.
"A lot of emotions going into it, I'm glad it happened in such a special place.
"I was just very excited, trying to stay in the moment.
"One of the reasons I broke down a little bit was that as a kid, all I thought about was playing in the major leagues, and really not knowing if I could ever make it.
"I thought about the Boys and Girls club where I learned how to play baseball. There were a lot of things.
"It's been quite a ride. A year ago, I never would have dreamt about this incredible moment. I was in a cave in Miami, serving my time. To be here today, with you guys, the fans, my team-mates.
"I'm very thankful to the Yankees and to Major League Baseball for allowing me to play this game. I'm in a good place right now.
"Any time you're sandwiched between Willie Mays and Babe Ruth is pretty special. This whole thing has been like a dream."