Alex Rodriguez says he felt like he was “staring at retirement” and putting his career at risk when he underwent hip surgery almost a year ago.
“I think I grew up a lot both on and off the field and, again, staring at retirement right in the face … that’s the first thing I thought of,” Rodriguez says in a YES Network interview airing tonight.
Calling his procedure in March an “intermediate surgery” with plans for a more thorough operation on his right hip after the season, Rodriguez chose to pursue a championship with the Yankees instead.
“It was a commitment that I wanted to do for the team and it was very scary and I knew I was putting my, you know, the rest of my career at risk,” Rodriguez tells Kimberly Jones. “but I felt that with the team at hand it was, it was a risk worth taking.”
Rodriguez found out after the season that the more extensive procedure on his hip would not be needed.
“So, overall it was an adventurous year but, uh, I’m glad that’s behind me now and we get a chance to continue to build on the positives,” the third baseman said.
Rodriguez also said he was relieved that the Yankees’ World Championship changed the perception of him as a clutch player somewhat.
“For me, I was just so tired of the whole ‘unclutch’ thing,” Rodriguez said. “It was just, you know, very annoying, but to come over and be part of a championship team and get some of the biggest hits of my career and to deliver for my teammates when they needed me, that certainly feels really good and I’m very relieved.”