Yankee Legend Alex Rodriguez's Moment Rocked The Bronx 11 Years Ago Today

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Jun 18, 2025 4:49 PM ET

It was June 19, 2015, and Yankee Stadium was buzzing. Alex Rodriguez, playing out what many assumed was the final chapter of a complicated, comeback-filled career, stepped in against then-Detroit Tigers' ace Justin Verlander.

A-Rod was just one hit shy of 3,000.

He didn’t waste any time. First pitch, first swing. Fastball. Gone.

Rodriguez sent it over the right-center field wall, becoming just the 29th player in MLB history to collect 3,000 hits, and only the third to do it with a home run.

The Yankees beat the Tigers 7–2 that night, but A-Rod stole the show. Teammates mobbed him. The crowd roared. The moment felt bigger than just a number.

Eleven years later, it still does.

At the time, the Yankees were chasing the AL East crown. Rodriguez, who had returned from a year-long suspension, was supposed to be a role player. Instead, he turned back the clock with 33 home runs that season.

And on June 19, 2015, he gave fans a night they won’t forget.

That swing also etched Rodriguez into Yankees history alongside Wade Boggs and Derek Jeter as just one of three who homered for their 3,000th hit.

It was signature A-Rod: dramatic, defiant, and undeniable.

Today, Rodriguez is long retired but still center stage. He’s a co-owner of the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves and WNBA’s Lynx, and a regular voice in Fox Sports’ postseason baseball coverage. The uniform’s gone, but the spotlight isn’t.

Back on that June night in 2015, though, it was a bittersweet moment for Yankees fans. Maybe for all baseball fans. The milestone was a reminder of what A-Rod could have been before his alleged PED use clouded his accomplishments and legacy.

However, A-Rod was a celebrated Yankee again that night at Yankee Stadium.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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