USA TODAY Sports MLB columnist Bob Nightengale narrates a video essay on Alex Rodriguez's meteoric rise, his very public and humiliating fall, and his recent comeback as he collects his 3,000th career hit. USA TODAY Sports
NEW YORK — Alex Rodriguez skied a first-pitch, 95-mile-per-hour fastball from Detroit Tigers starter Justin Verlander into the right-centerfield seats for his 3,000th career hit in the first inning on Friday night.
The entire Yankees bench emptied for celebratory hugs. The giant centerfield scoreboard posted a congratulatory note. The Bronx fans, who greeted his at bat with a standing ovation, remained on their feet until Rodriguez acknowledged them with a curtain call.