Alex Rodriguez 'Surprised' to Get Invite from Yankees for 2009 World Series Reunion

Alex Rodriguez is just happy to be included.

The New York Yankees held Old Timers' Day on Saturday, and the 2009 World Series team was honored on the 15th anniversary of the championship season. Former third baseman Alex Rodriguez acknowledged that he was not necessarily expecting to be welcomed back.

"I was actually surprised that I got an invitation," Rodriguez said following the game, per Jorge Castillo of ESPN. "Honored. Very happy."

Rodriguez is notably not enshrined in the Yankees' famed Monument Park. Yankees legend Derek Jeter, who was Rodriguez's teammate on the 2009 team, did not offer his opinion when asked about the matter.

"I don't make those decisions, man," Jeter said, per Chris Kirschner of The Athletic. "That's the best way to put it. I know people are looking for headlines. I think you got (Brian) Cashman here somewhere. I don't even know if Cash makes that decision. I would call up Hal (Steinbrenner) and see what he has to say. Don't get me in the middle of it. That's a Hal question."

Rodriguez spent 12 seasons with the franchise, hitting .283/.378/.523 with 351 home runs and 1,096 RBIs. He won two of his three MVP trophies with the club and also had a strong showing during that 2009 postseason run.

He was a controversial figure due to his association with steroid use and also notably had a rift with Jeter.

Still, it looks like the organization and Rodriguez have at least carved out a potential path toward reconciliation.