Yankees fans remember iconic A-Rod moment from 11 years ago originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
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.
Advertisement
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.
Former New York Yankees slugger ALex Rodriguez follows through on a solo home run at Yankee Stadium in September 2015. © Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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.
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
However, A-Rod was a celebrated Yankee again that night at Yankee Stadium.
Related: Yankees’ Slugger Aaron Judge’s Strikeout Rate Rises In June
Related: Aaron Judge Just Broke Vegas And He’s Not Even Done Yet
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 18, 2025, where it first appeared.