This story has a little bit of everything—Major League Baseball nostalgia, football greatness, and a heartwarming story straight out of sports history. We’re talking about Alex Rodriguez, one of the biggest names in MLB, tipping his cap to Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs’ superstar quarterback, ahead of Super Bowl LIX.
Now, say what you will about A-Rod—his career had its share of controversy—but the guy was an absolute force on the field. A three-time American League MVP, 14-time All-Star, and one of the best hitters of his era, Rodriguez was a Yankees icon.
But before he was smashing home runs in the Bronx, he was making waves with the Texas Rangers. And that’s where this story gets interesting.
Rodriguez played alongside Pat Mahomes, Patrick’s father, who had a solid career as an MLB pitcher. That connection set the stage for a remarkable moment—one that A-Rod recently shared on Instagram.
The Story That Gave A-Rod Goosebumps
Rodriguez posted a throwback photo of himself with a young Patrick Mahomes, back when the future NFL superstar was just a kid hanging around baseball clubhouses. And he shared a memory that, looking back, might just be one of those “wow” moments in sports history.
A-Rod recalled how Mahomes, even as a child, was fascinated by the dedication of elite athletes. One day, after a particularly strong performance at the plate, young Patrick asked, “Why are you working so hard today if you just hit all those home runs?”
Rodriguez’s response? “You are only as good as what you do after greatness.”
Now, if that isn’t the perfect piece of advice for someone who would go on to become one of the most dominant quarterbacks in the NFL, I don’t know what is.
Mahomes’ Baseball Roots and His Rise to NFL Stardom
Of course, Patrick Mahomes had baseball in his blood. With his father playing in the majors, he grew up around the game, soaking in professional athletes’ discipline and work ethic. Plenty of folks thought he might follow in his dad’s footsteps. And, honestly, if he had, there’s a good chance he would have been a star in that sport, too.
But football called, and Mahomes answered spectacularly. Now, he’s leading the Chiefs into yet another Super Bowl, chasing a third championship ring before the age of 30. And A-Rod? Even he had to admit, “I’m so glad Patrick Mahomes didn’t listen to me!”
Still, Rodriguez has nothing but admiration for Mahomes’ journey. “From watching Pat as a little kid at batting practice to seeing him go for the three-peat on Sunday, it has been incredible to witness his journey and see him grow into one of the best athletes of this generation. Good luck out there this weekend, Pat!”
A-Rod’s Own MLB Legacy
While Mahomes continues to carve out his place in football history, Rodriguez’s baseball legacy remains undeniable. His numbers—1,012 RBIs, 351 home runs—speak for themselves.
He helped the Yankees win their last World Series in 2009, and despite his 2014 suspension, he remains one of the most recognizable figures in baseball history.
But perhaps his greatest legacy isn’t just in the numbers—it’s in his impact on young athletes. And if his words to Mahomes all those years ago had even the slightest influence on the quarterback’s legendary work ethic, then A-Rod’s impact on the sports world extends far beyond baseball diamonds.
One thing’s for sure: this Super Bowl got a little more personal for one of baseball’s biggest stars.
