Baseball icons Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez are two of the greatest players in MLB history. Even though they no longer play the game, they remain popular and iconic figures in baseball. Though they managed to win a World Series together, their relationship always remained complicated. What started out as A-Rod slandering Jeter for his inability to secure the biggest contract in sports history has yet to return to its previous state even after over two decades of it happening. However, Jeter and A-Rod’s relationship wasn’t always complicated as it is right now. There was once a time when the former athletes used to be inseparable. They were such close friends that they often got teased as being each other’s boyfriends. 

At one point, nothing but praise came out from their mouths for each other. Such was the case in 1999 when the Hall of Fame was being considered for the title of Most Valuable Player. 

How did Alex Rodriguez praise Derek Jeter?

On a misty evening in May 1999, Captain Clutch fought hard against the Seattle Mariners. Despite hitting a three-run homer, and spectacular efforts, Jeter could not save the Yanks from losing the game. However, the game’s highlight remained the three-run homer that he shot well beyond the 408-foot sign in the center. 

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The tremendous shot in the bleachers initiated the talks of Jeter winning MVP that year because of his iconic play on the diamond. Alex A-Rod Rodriguez, his best friend at the time, was right there on the Mariners’ bench cheering for him. Talking about Jeter, A-Rod told the New York Post, “I think the MVP talk about him is very well deserved. He’s taken his game to another whole level. Pitchers used to be able to pound him in, pound him in and pound him in. Now, he’ll hit that flare to right field or hurt you deep like [Friday]. He stuck a knife in our heart.”

The knife was stuck, and hearts were won on that misty, rainy day. But little did people know that things would take a drastic turn after a year and a half, and the once best friends would turn into arch-enemies. 

What did Rodriguez say about Jeter?

After MLB’s 2000 season, A-Rod signed a ten-year deal worth $252 million with the Texas Rangers. It was, at the time, the greatest contract in any sport’s history, beating out NBA legend Michael Jordan and pro golfer Tiger Woods. 

After securing the contract, he got asked about the players he thought could beat him in contract value. Without giving it a second thought, A-Rod said that anyone could do it except Jeter. 

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Thus started the decades-long feud between two iconic ball players. And now, they are set to appear on FOX as the game’s analysts ahead of the 2023 season. 

How do you think it will go? Will some past issues arise? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!