New York Yankees: Alex Rodriguez Retires Short of Milestone
By Ron Juckett
New York Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez will retire four home runs short of 700. Here are five other players retiring short of milestones.
As New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez walks off the stage, one of the unique aspects of his mid-season retirement is how close he came to hitting 700 career home runs.
His first came against Tom Gordon and the Kansas City Royals on June 12, 1995 at Seattle’s Kingdome. His 696th, and last, a solo bomb to left off Baltimore Orioles pitcher Kevin Gausman on July 18. Between then, we thought he was a mortal lock of not only slugging 700 homers but passing Barry Bonds and his mark of 762.
Unless he signs with the Miami Marlins or another team giving him a chance, Rodriguez leaves baseball just shy of an incredible milestone. In his case, there was a substantial bonus for hitting that number.
Players have fallen short of milestones before. Who knows what final numbers Ted Williams or Bob Feller would have put up if not for World War II. Injuries to Sandy Koufax cut his career short before he could strikeout 2500 or win 200 games. Although you can understand why the Yankees were ready to let Rodriguez go before joining the 700 club, a low-average hitter left to being a part-time designated hitter, you have to be somewhat surprised he walked away.
Now that Rodriguez’s career belongs to history, here are five other players who fell short of a major milestone. From a war to an unusual career choice, they left the game right on the edge of etching their names into deeper history.
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