Today, Alex Rodriguez turns 40 years old.

First off, dang, that makes me feel old. I remember crying as a 12-year-old when Alex Rodriguez left the Mariners to go to the Texas Rangers.

I remember Alex Rodriguez being the guy that made me realize sports was about money, and not the love the game.

I remember him being the first athlete I hated. I remember him being the guy I used to admire.

I remember him being one of the best players in the game.

In addition to being 40 years old, I remember Alex Rodriguez as the guy who went 40/40 in Seattle. Who helped revolutionize the way shortstop was played.

Alex Rodriguez has been through the ringer, nearly all of it self-induced.

But he's in the midst of a career-saving season. Alex Rodriguez is no longer the player that I remember, but I'm over my hate, for the most part.

Happy birthday, A-Rod.

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