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."
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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?
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