The improbable path to redemption for Alex Rodriguez climaxed Thursday night when he helped lead the Yankees across the finish line to their first playoff berth since 2012.
It capped a season that began with the ignominy of his return from a one-year suspension for PED use, but the 40-year-old designated hitter surprised everyone not only with his production but with the careful steps he took to mend fences along the way.
"I do take a minute to feel extremely grateful for the opportunity I've gotten," Rodriguez said amid the clubhouse celebration that followed a 4-1 victory over Boston that clinched a berth in the AL wild-card game on Tuesday night.