Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte comment on Alex Rodriguez’s career

Ahead of Alex Rodriguez’s final game with the New York Yankees ahead of his retirement, Derek Jeter and Andy Pettitte commented on their former teammate’s career.

Ahead of Alex Rodriguez’s final game with the New York Yankees before his retirement, Derek Jeter and Andy Pettitte commented on their former teammate’s career.

“I’ve spent 22 years playing against, playing with and watching Alex from afar, and there are two things that stand out to me the most: the conversations we had when we were young—hoping for the opportunity to play at the Major League level and then somehow finding a way to stick around—and the championship we won together in 2009,” Jeter said in a statement. “That was a season everyone on that team can cherish.”

“What people don't realize is how much time, effort and work that Alex put in on a daily basis. He lives and breathes baseball. I know it will be difficult for him to not be on the field, but I’m sure he will continue to give back to the game. Congrats, Alex.”

Jeter spent his entire 20-year career with the New York Yankees before retiring after the 2014 season. He played alongside Rodriguez for ten seasons.

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“I had a chance to see Alex as a young player in the league, and I knew immediately he was going to be special. It was always fun competing against Alex, but I really enjoyed having the opportunity to play side-by-side with him in New York,” Pettitte said in his statement. “He was a big reason we were able to win the 2009 World Series. I wish Alex and his family nothing but the best moving forward.”

The Yankees announced that Rodriguez would retire last week and that his final game would be Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays. He is set to serve as the team’s special advisor.