“Not only does Michael sell sneakers…He’s a good ambassador for cigars,” said Alex Rodriguez and continued to laugh. Years ago the New York Yankees legend shared how he first came in contact with cigars and immediately fell in love with them. It all dates back to his meeting his teenage hood hero and inspiration – Michael Jordan. 

As he revealed recently, Jordan inspired Rodriguez in nearly every aspect of his sporting career. From attitude to his great business mind, the NBA legend’s impact was huge on the young A-Rod. However, little do people know that A-Rod’s love for cigars also came through Michael Jordan. He revealed as such years ago in The Interview with Marvin R. Shanken.

While discussing his hobbies and interests, Rodriguez inevitably shifted to cigars. The star has been seen countless times with a piece of it in his mouth. When asked how he first discovered it Rodriguez revealed it was through Jordan. “I don’t remember my first cigar, the first time that I made a pivot from liking cigars to loving them was playing golf with Michael Jordan.” 

So which cigar did the 6x NBA finals winner give to Rodriguez? It was a Hoyo de Monterrey. The story took place around 1999-2000 when Rodriguez was still a part of the Seattle Mariners. According to him, this was the day that he permanently pivoted towards loving cigars. However, initially, Rodriguez had a tough time finding them but when he did, it was a match made in heaven. But raises another question – what is the best cigar that A-Rod has ever had?

Alex Rodriguez’s greatest triumph and cigar story

During a conversation with the Cigar Aficionado, Rodriguez revealed that he had his greatest cigar after winning the World Series. “It’s 2009, we (the Yankees) win the World Series and our entire team goes to a club,” Alex Rodriguez says. “It’s downtown, right here in New York City. And we closed the place down. Then we went and had some pizza at one of these open pizza places at five or six in the morning. And right outside, we lit up some cigars. We thought about that entire year. And for me, it was a 15-year wait to be a world champion. That’s the best cigar I’ve ever had.”

While that was Alex Rodriguez’s greatest experience, his favorite cigar remains the one that Jordan offered him. Even now – years after that incident, Rodriguez still loves his Hoyo de Monterrey. Is that a testament to its quality or is it a sign of huge respect that A-Rod has for Jordan? Whatever it may be, it certainly is a lifetime moment for a man who grew up watching the icon.