Alex Rodriguez had a very busy weekend as the New York Yankees' high profile third baseman slammed his 537th home run, mourned a Yankee legend's death, and endured constant heckling about the never-ending rumors that it was an affair with pop goddess Madonna that caused A-Rod's wife, Cynthia, to file for divorce last week.
Rodriguez became the 13th most prolific home run hitter in MLB history on Saturday, passing Yankee great Mickey Mantle.
After the game, however, the team learned of Yankee legend Bobby Murcer's death due to complications from brain cancer. Players spoke fondly of a man who spent nearly four decades with the team as a player, executive, and beloved broadcaster.
- B/R Ticket Guide
"It's just a reminder for all of us who are in the game, the media, and a fan of baseball just how trivial the game can be for one day," Rodriguez said. "When you look at a guy like Bobby, it makes time stop a little bit."
Murcer, 62, joined the Yankees in 1965 and soon was playing in center field, Mantle's old spot.
A-Rod had already passed Ted Williams (521), Willie McCovey (521) and Jimmie Foxx (534) on the home run list this year. Mike Schmidt (548) is next.
"These are special names," Rodriguez said. "You've got to take a step back and enjoy the moment."
Photos of the Toronto fans taunting a visibly angry A-Rod can be found here: http://captainhoagie.com/arod.html
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