Alex Rodriguez

Alexander Emmanuel Rodriguez was born on July 27, 1975 in Washington Heights, New York. He plays third base for the New York Yankees.

High School
Alex grew up in Miami, Florida. He was a star shortstop at Miami's Westminster Christian High School.

College
Alex, at age 17, signed a letter-of-intent to play for the University of Miama, but decided to enter the MLB draft instead.

Minor Leagues
Alex was drafted first overall by the Seattle Mariners in 1993, signed by Roger Jongewaard right out of high school.

Within a year, he had made his way through the Mariner's minor league system.

Major Leagues

Seattle Mariners
Alex made his major league debut as the starting shortstop on July 8, 1994, in Boston. He was 18 years, 11 months, and 11 days of age, just the third 18-year-old major league shortstop since 1900. His first season was cut short a month into it, however, when the players decided to go on strike.

In 1995, Alex alternated between the AAA Tacoma club and the Mariners. In 1996, he became the Mariner's starting short stop.

Texas Rangers
Alex became a free agent after the 2000 season, and signed with the Texas Rangers. At the time, his contract was the most lucrative contract in sports history: a 10-year deal worth $252 million -- worth $63 million more than the second-richest baseball deal.

New York Yankees
On February 15, 2004, Alex was traded to the New York Yankees for second baseman Alfonso Soriano and a player to be named later (Joaquín Árias). The Rangers agreed to pay $67 million of the $179 million left on Rodriguez's contract.

Alex agreed to switch from shortstop to third base, because Derek Jeter was already entrenched at shortstop. He also had to switch uniform numbers, from 3 to 13; he had worn 3 his entire career, but that number is retired by the Yankees in honor of Babe Ruth.

Alex's reception in New York has been mixed. He plays well during the regular season, but typically cools off during the post season.

In 2007, Alex had a chance to opt out of his contract with the Yankees. He ended up re-signing, after getting rid of his agent, Scott Boras.

Personal
Alex and his wife Cynthia Scurtis are going through the divorce process as of July 7, 2008. They have two children - Natasha and Ella.

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