NEW YORK (AP) -Alex Rodriguez could only laugh as a sculpture honoring him for becoming the youngest member of the 500-homer club tumbled off an easel at Yankee Stadium.
Oh well, it’s the thought that counts.
The New York Yankees paid tribute to A-Rod before their game against the Baltimore Orioles on Monday night, presenting him with the home plate from his 500th homer on Aug. 4 and a silver tray with an inscription from owner George Steinbrenner.
The Yankees also gave Rodriguez two portraits and a sculpture by artist Peter Max, who had some trouble with the covering on the bat-and-ball sculpture and accidentally pulled it down to the ground.
Max stood with his arms out briefly as the crowd gasped. Rodriguez, general manager Brian Cashman and manager Joe Torre just laughed. The sculpture was quickly returned to the easel and appeared to be OK.
Rodriguez hit his 500th homer in the first inning of a 16-8 victory over the Kansas City Royals, becoming the 22nd player to reach the mark. With the drive eight days after his 32nd birthday, he bettered Jimmie Foxx (32 years, 338 days) as the youngest player to reach 500.
A-Rod was hitting .300 with 39 homers and 114 RBIs heading into play Monday. He needs just one homer to tie Eddie Murray for 21st on the career list with 504.
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