Former Seattle Mariners Star Earns Honor Courtesy of MLB Network

According to the MLB Network "Prime Nine," former Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers and New York Yankees shortstop Alex Rodriguez was named the No. 1 shortstop in baseball dating back to 1947.

Former Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers and New York Yankees shortstop Alex Rodriguez was named the No. 1 shortstop in baseball since 1947, according to MLB Network's "Prime 9."

The Network posted the following on social media:

The only player in MLB history with: 

600+ HR 

3,000+ Hits 

2,000+ RBI 

2,000+ Runs 

300+ SB 

Alex Rodriguez is our #1 shortstop since 1947! #Prime9

The only player in MLB history with:

600+ HR
3,000+ Hits
2,000+ RBI
2,000+ Runs
300+ SB

Alex Rodriguez is our #1 shortstop since 1947! #Prime9 pic.twitter.com/g08vzdCj83

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 12, 2023

It's an interesting selection given Rodriguez's complex history. A former No. 1 pick in the draft, Rodriguez put together a Hall of Fame career - one which he derailed after admitted steroid use and suspension.

As a result of that scandal, he hasn't made the Baseball Hall of Fame yet, but he has undergone a fascinating public perception facelift through his broadcasting work with ESPN and FOX over the last several years.

He beat out revered shortstops like Derek Jeter, Cal Ripken Jr., Ozzie Smith and others for this honor.

All in all, Rodriguez spent 22 years in the big leagues with those three teams. He starred for Seattle from 1994-2000, Texas from 2001-2003 and the Yankees from 2004-2016, minus the 2014 season when he was suspended.

He was a 14-time All-Star, a two-time Gold Glover, a 10-time Silver Slugger, a three-time MVP and a batting champion.

He led the league in home runs in five different seasons, including hitting 57 in 2002. He led the league in RBIs twice, slugging four times and OPS twice.

He also helped the Yankees win the World Series in 2009 by beating the Philadelphia Phillies. 

Follow Fastball on FanNation on social media

Continue to follow our Fastball on FanNation coverage on social media by LIKING us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.