Jim Leyritz -- the guy who blasted one of the most famous home runs in Yankees World Series History -- says if he was running his ex-team ... he'd let A-Rod play as long as he wanted to.
A-Rod had said publicly that he wanted to play 3rd base during his final game Friday night -- but Yanks skipper Joe Girardi nixed the idea ... only allowing him to be a DH instead.
Some people are upset saying A-Rod deserved to go out on his own terms -- others say screw him, he's a cheater and doesn't deserve anything.