It's one of the iconic images of the Boston Red Sox-New York Yankees rivalry: Alex Rodriguez extending his arm to literally slap the ball out of Bronson Arroyo's glove while running down the first base line in Game 6 of the 2004 American League Championship Series.
Rodriguez was eventually called out, because you most certainly can't do that. But what the heck possessed him to karate chop Arroyo's arm?
A-Rod explained his mindset Monday during an appearance on Barstool Sports' "Pardon My Take" podcast.
MORE RED SOX: Why A-Rod wanted to play in Boston (not New York) in 2003
"It was worth the try. How's that?" Rodriguez said. "I was trying to go for his glove, and Arroyo's a very good athlete. He got off the mound very quickly.
"I was trying to go for his glove and the karate chop went a little too far and I got his forearm."
Boston Red Sox
Find the latest Boston Red Sox news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Boston.
Uhh, yeah. "A little too far" is right.
The Yankees lost that game 4-2 and dropped Game 7 to complete an epic collapse from their three-game series lead.
Rodriguez was asked if there was a specific moment in the series he and the Yanks felt "f---ed," and he gave an interesting answer.
"I never felt we were f---ed until I saw John Olerud sitting on the table and he broke his foot," A-Rod said.
Olerud was by no means one of New York's most lethal hitters, but he was a solid veteran who nonetheless added depth to the lineup.
And when things got to Game 7, it was Johnny Damon's clutch grand slam that knocked A-Rod and the Yankees out for good.
"I wanted to throw up when he hit that homer," Rodriguez said. "Boom, when he hit it, I go, 'Oh f---, that sucks.' "
Isn't it fun reliving old memories?
Click here to download the new MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Celtics easily on your device.