Hall of Fame outfielder Vladimir Guerrero’s dislike for Yankees legend Alex Rodriguez (popularly called A-Rod) stems from a series of incidents, as revealed in a YouTube video published by Dominican reporter Yancen Pujols.
Guerrero recounted an interaction at the 2005 All-Star game in Detroit that soured their relationship. He expressed disappointment that A-Rod failed to greet his mother, despite both players sharing Latino heritage where respecting elders is customary.
“Alex Rodriguez did something to me that I didn’t like,” Guerrero said. “I’m with my mother at the All-Star game in Detroit, and he didn’t greet my mother.”
Pujols asked Guerrero if he felt that he did it out of malice. Guerrero stated that they’re both Latinos — it’s proper in Latino culture to greet the elders of your friends — and A-Rod should know better.”
However, Guerrero noted that Derek Jeter, in contrast, had properly greeted his mother.
“Jeter came over and greeted her and (A-Rod) didn’t do that,” Guerrero said. “So I told him, ‘You may have a truckload of money, but we both s*** the same.’”
The tension escalated when A-Rod allegedly accused Guerrero of not sending food to the visitors’ clubhouse, a common practice among Dominican players. Guerrero vehemently denied this claim, stating he had confirmed with Robinson Canó that A-Rod had refused the food, citing dietary concerns.
“So, after hitting a double, I asked (Robinson) Canó about the food, and Canó said that Alex doesn’t want to eat rice because it’s fattening,” Guerrero said. “So when I got to third, I said— never mind, I can’t say that because it’s a bad word.”
Guerrero admitted to using strong language toward A-Rod during a game, even expressing a readiness for physical confrontation over the false accusation.
“I was daring him to come at me so that I can get him back,” Guerrero said. “I was ready to hit him. You can’t say I didn’t send you food when that’s not true.”
The video highlights the stark contrast between the two players’ post-career lifestyles. While Guerrero has embraced a humble life in the Dominican Republic, often seen playing dominoes with locals, A-Rod is portrayed as maintaining a more lavish and publicity-oriented lifestyle.
This account offers insight into the personal dynamics between players and the cultural expectations that can influence their relationships both on and off the field.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
The problem is A-Rod feels above everyone else. It’s always been there, and you can see it on TV when he is with Jeter and Big Papi. A-Rod tries to take the spot light. Jeter is the voice of reason, and Big Papi is entertaining. I have been raised American by my Dad. We are both New York City born. Mom’s family is of strong Puerto Rican birth. I have never been to Puerto Rico, but even I know about respecting the elderly, AND it’s insulting to refuse food. A-Rod was wrong and he knows it.