Yankees Forgotten A-Rod of '80

When most baseball fans hear the name "A-Rod," they think of the former Mariner/Ranger and current Yankee dynamo Alex Rodriguez. This green-eyed third baseman with his mocha skin is sure to make the ladies swoon, and his explosive bat has garnered him respect amongst Yankees fans and other MLB fans alike.


However, back in 1980 another A-Rod hit the scene in the House That Ruth Built: Aurelio Rodriguez. Having already played for the California Angels (1967-70), Washington Senators (1970), Detroit Tigers (1971-79), and San Diego Padres (1980), this Mexican-born A-Rod was a thirtysomething, former golden-glove-winning athlete when he joined the Bronx Bombers during the 1980 season. * An autographed Topps card of former Yankees thirdbaseman Aurelio Rodriguez.


Although N.Y.'s first A-Rod only batted .220 in 1980, he posted a mammoth .346 average in '81, going 18 for 52 with an even higher .370 on base percentage. Who knows what he could've done had he played a full season?


Sadly, Aurelio Rodriguez Ituarte, Jr. was killed tragically in 2000 when a motorist jumped a curb and struck the former ballplayer when he was visiting Detroit. Hearing the news, Tigers fans, who now refer to Rodriguez as "the original A-Rod," were deeply affected by his untimely demise. This '08 season, I implore Yankees fans to do the same, honorong this 1980 Yankee as "the original A-Rod!"

TRIVIA:

There have been three players in major league history named Aurelio, and all three were killed in car accidents between the ages of 44 and 53. Can you name the other two Aurelios?