Fortitudo Bologna signs Alex Rodriguez

The title of this blog post may sound very sensational but the reigning Italian champion did not sign A-Rod, they signed Curaçaoan first baseman Alexander Rodriguez who spent several years in the minor league systems of the Colorado Rockies and the Tampa Bay Rays.

The 25-year old first baseman started his professional career with the Colorado Rockies as a pitcher. But he wasn’t quite successful as he posted an ERA of 7.80 over two seasons. After his release, he was picked up by the Tampa Bay Rays who sent him to the DSL to convert him into a first baseman. During two years at the DSL he played 110 games at first base he posted a .991 fielding percentage. His batting average during these two years at the DSL wasn’t too shabby as he hit .277.

Rodriguez started to play baseball at the age of four. At the age of sixteen, he moved to the United States where he attended Trinity Christian Academy in Florida. He also went to Williamsport to attend in the Little League World Series where Curaçao ended as the runner up. Eventually, at the age of fourteen, he managed to become world champion with Curaçao as they won the Junior League World Series.

After his release by the Rays, Rodriguez returned to Curaçao where he played for the Santa Maria Pirates. Last season, he helped the Pirates having a successful season as he hit .406 with thirteen doubles and two home runs.