Alex Rodriguez and Kobe Bryant are two of the biggest faces in American sports. Even though Kobe is not in this world anymore, the NBA legend will go down as one of the best to play the game.

Talking about Alex Rodriguez, the New York Yankees legend entertained baseball fans for over two decades. Usually known as a shortstop, A-Rod also played as a third baseman for the Pinstripes. However, during the early days of his baseball career, A-Rod was not ready to give up his natural playing position.

Alex Rodriguez wanted to play only as a shortstop

Dating back to 2019, Alex Rodriguez and Kobe Bryant sat for an interview, where they discussed various aspects of their personal and professional lives. While talking about his early days in baseball, A-Rod revealed he did not want to play at any other position but a shortstop.

Although A-Rod went on to become a fine shortstop, he found himself in a difficult situation when he got to know he would not play shortstop during his younger days.

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“I do want to talk about mentorship, Kobe. I know that mentorship has been a big part of your life; both you as a mentor and as a mentee. But one of the interesting things for me as a six-foot-three shortstop coming out of Miami, I had one guy to look at.”

“Because I was scared as f*ck… They were going to move me to third base or see outfield. I am like no, I can play shortstop. You gotta leave me. Look at Cal (Ripken)!” Alex Rodriguez said.”

A-Rod looked upon legendary shortstop Cal Ripken Jr.

The Yankees legend also mentioned how he looked upon legendary shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. Because A-Rod believed he had the potential to become a shortstop as good as Ripken.

“I would go at night visualizing how he moved his body. He was 6’4 (and 230 lbs)… People said you are starting to look like him (Cal). And I am like, yeah, that’s because I want to be like him,” A-Rod added.

Notably, while playing for the Baltimore Orioles, Ripken enjoyed an illustrious career as a shortstop. An MLB Hall of Famer and a World Series winner, Ripken was one of a kind.

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Do you think Alex Rodriguez became a better shortstop than his idol, Cal Ripken?