Alex Rodriguez needed one swing to become the 29th player in history to reach 3,000 hits Friday night at Yankee Stadium.
That he did it with a first-inning homer off former Cy Young winner Justin Verlander added to the historical moment.
Brett Gardner opened with a single to center off Verlander but was picked off with Chase Headley at the plate. Headley was retired on a fly to left that brought Rodriguez to the plate as the crowd cheered and hoped to see history.
One pitch later, a 95-mph fastball, history was made. Rodriguez hit the ball toward right center and as J.D. Martinez drifted back, it was apparent that just as Derek Jeter did, Rodriguez’ 3,000th hit was going to be a homer.
As Rodriguez jogged toward first base, the Yankees’ dugout roared and started the lineup on the warning track in front of the dugout. Rodriguez pointed to various locations in the stands as he toured the bases. He was met first by Mark Teixeira, then Carlos Beltran, who was followed by CC Sabathia before Rodriguez vanished into a sea of pinstripes and down the steps.
The crowd called for Rodriguez to come out of the dugout and he did with raised hands.
Considering Rodriguez was batting .357 (10-for-28) with four homers against Verlander, the blast wasn’t a surprise.
Rodriguez joined Wade Boggs (1999) and Jeter (2011) as players who homered for the 3,000th hit.
