A-Rod 'surprised ... very happy' to be part of Yankees' '09 WS reunion - ESPN

NEW YORK — Several first-time attendees were on hand for Old Timers' Day at Yankee Stadium on Saturday, but only Alex Rodriguez had his relationship with the Yankees deteriorate to the point where he wondered if he would ever be welcomed to the annual celebration.

«I was actually surprised that I got an invitation,» Rodríguez said during a press conference alongside other members of the Yankees' 2009 championship team, which was commemorated on its 15th anniversary. «Honored. Very happy.»

Rodriguez spoke sitting between Derek Jeter and A.J. Burnett on a dais. Mariano Rivera and Joe Girardi, the 2009 team's manager, were seated on the ends. They shared memories of the 2009 club, the last one to win a World Series for the franchise. They offered their thoughts on Aaron Judge and winning. Jeter cracked a few jokes.

They all wore Yankees home jerseys. For Rodríguez, that was especially noteworthy: The last time he donned the pinstripes was on August 12, 2016 — the day of his last game as a major leaguer.

«He wears it at home all the time,» Jeter quipped.

Said Rodriguez: «I've been back broadcasting for FOX and some of my work with ESPN, but I think just back in the fold with the uniform on, I think is pretty unique. And it's my first time back and I'm excited to be back. I'm very proud of my time in New York and I'm very proud to be part of a champion team. So, happy to be back.»

Now the question is whether the Yankees will one day honor Rodriguez with a plaque at Monument Park.

«I've thought about it,» said Rodriguez, who turned 49 last month. «I would love to be in, but obviously that's not my decision. But I honor everything about the New York Yankees, and it would be an honor.»

In a vacuum, Rodriguez's production in New