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In sports, few decisions are as emotionally charged as choosing which nation to represent on the world stage, a dilemma former New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez faced at the 2006 World Baseball Classic. Born in New York City (USA) to Dominican parents, Rodriguez faced a decision on whom to represent at the international level.
On Friday, Rodriguez shared a throwback post as he reflected back on his late decision to represent Team USA in the inaugural WBC. At the time, Rodriguez was a star third baseman for the New York Yankees.
"On this day in 2006, after delaying his decision to play in the World Baseball Classic, Alex Rodriguez announces he will be a member of the United States team. The Yankee All-Star third baseman had considered playing for the Dominican Republic, his parent's homeland," the post that A-Rod shared read.
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When Alex Rodriguez opened up on playing for Team USA over Team DR in 2006 WBC
At the time, Alex Rodriguez's decision to play for the United States, despite his Dominican heritage sparked conversations about national pride and cultural identity on the global stage of baseball.
Leading up to the decision, A-Rod said that he had dialogue with his caring friends and players from both nations.
"In recent weeks, following dialogue with caring friends and players, both Dominican and American, I reached the conclusion that if I played in the Classic, I would play for the United States and honor my American citizenship," Rodriguez said in Jan. 2006 (via ESPN).
"I appreciate the support and understanding of my fellow Dominican players and friends who aided me in making this decision. The World Baseball Classic offers baseball and its fans an exciting new forum and I look forward, if selected, to representing the United States in what will be baseball's greatest international competition."
Team USA trailed Team Mexico in Pool C after going 2-1 in the group stage before advancing to the next round.
However, Alex Rodriguez's team was eliminated after going 1-2 in the second round. Meanwhile, Team Dominican Republic went as far as the semifinal before losing to Team Cuba. Team Japan would end up winning that edition.
