Muted reaction as Alex Rodriguez hits 661st home-run to overhaul Willie Mays’ mark

A-Rod’s climb to reach baseball’s greats has come amid controversy

Alex Rodriguez #13 of the New York Yankees waves to the crowd after hitting his 661st home run (GETTY IMAGES)

Alex Rodriguez blasted the 661st home run of his career on Thursday to pass Willie Mays as the fourth most prolific hitter on the all-time list. The milestone blow came in the third inning of the New York Yankees’ 4-3 win over the Baltimore Orioles.

“The reaction was incredible,” Rodriguez said. “I’ve said all along the league, the Yankees, the fans – no one owes me anything. I’m so grateful to be playing baseball and grateful to everybody.”

Rodriguez, who had drawn level with Mays on 660 last week, trails only Babe Ruth (714), Hank Aaron (755) and Barry Bonds (762) in career home runs.

A-Rod’s climb to reach baseball’s greats has come amid controversy after the 39-year-old was suspended for the whole of last year following a doping violation. As he rounded the bases for his record-breaking home run, the scoreboard made just a brief acknowledgment of his feat. He was given a short curtain call by the home New York fans.

Despite the criticism, Rodriguez has had the support of his team-mates. The Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner said: “I know there’s a lot of questions surrounding everything but 661 home runs is still a lot, it’s 650 more than I’ve got, I think.

“I see how hard Alex works every day, how much he loves to compete and I’m really happy for him.”