A-Rod gets 1st shot at championship - lifelong dream

He is … the most interesting man in the World Series.

After 16 seasons in the major leagues and six as a Yankee, Alex Rodriguez finally is about to play in his first World Series -- and Yankees manager Joe Girardi said his third baseman has one focus and zero distractions.



















"He's a man on a mission," Girardi said after the Yankees' 5-2 victory over the Angels in last night's Game 6 ALCS-clincher, "and it all started back when he came to Baltimore and hit that three-run home run on the first pitch."

That night in Baltimore, Rodriguez, two months removed from surgery on his right hip, took the first pitch he saw in the 2009 season deep. Now, the 34-year-old superstar, lightning rod and talking point is entering his first World Series on the a hot streak that has lasted all postseason.

"A lot of great players have never had the honor to play in a World Series," Rodriguez said. "So for me, I thank the good Lord for putting me with the greatest organization and 24 great teammates and it feels really good."

So what advice does Rodriguez need before playing his first World Series game? Stay within himself? Try not to do too much? Enjoy the moment? Zip his fly after leaving the restroom?

The Phillies are attempting to repeat as World Series champions. The Yankees are attempting to win a World Series in their new stadium after winning 26 in their previous ballpark. But the man in the spotlight will be the most interesting man in the World Series: A-Rod.

Because after having so much written about him, Rodriguez finally has reached baseball's ultimate chapter.

Let's GO Yankees!!!