“This organization was my safe space growing up”—Alex Rodriguez, a Yankees icon, brings holiday pleasure to the Miami-Dade club where his baseball dreams began

Despite retiring in 2016, Alex Rodriguez has maintained a prominent profile. Despite becoming one of the most divisive Major League Baseball players of the modern era, A-Rod has continued to give back.

Rodriguez and his mother, who were born to immigrants from the Dominican Republic in New York, quickly moved to Florida. His mom, Lourdes, would put in countless hours at the office to provide for her family. Rodriguez found solace in baseball, a sport in which he flourished.

The 48-year-old paid a visit to his old haunts as Christmas drew near. The former star was spotted in Miami-Dade County recently, where he lent a hand during a toy drive organized by the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. His Instagram account confirms the news.

Feeling incredibly grateful to be returning to Miami for the annual @bgca_clubs Holiday Toy Drive. “Giving back to the kids on the same baseball fields that I grew up playing on is such a special feeling. This organization was my safe place growing up.” * A-rod

A number of the most elite Major League Baseball clubs took notice of Alex Rodriguez after seeing him play on the Miami baseball fields. He was taken by the Seattle Mariners as the first overall pick in the 1993 draft during the summer of that year. Rodriguez won the American League hitting title at the age of 21 three years later with a.358 average.

It was a huge win for A-Rod in Seattle. Despite being named to the All-Star team and earning many Silver Slugger awards, Alex Rodriguez’s arrogance irritated his teammates and was a major factor in Ken Griffey Jr.’s decision to leave the team.

He signed a record-breаking three-quarters of a billiоn dollars, over-ten-year contract with the Texas Rangers in 2003.

With his 2016 season coming to a close, Rodriguez decided to retire and pursue other interests. His children Ella and Natasha are often in his photos, and he is also involved in a number of business endeavors.

His impending bid to acquire the Minnesota Timberwolves of the National Basketball Association (NBA) alongside billionaire Marc Lore is one of his several undertakings.

Giving back is something that Alex Rodriguez will never forget.

The 2013 Biogenesis controversy severely damaged A-Rod’s reputation, and he was suspended as a result. Instead of wallow in self-pity, the ex-player has remained an advocate for the sport and an active member of his hometown.

Rodriguez may not be perfect, but he is making a difference in the lives of Miami-Dade children this holiday season.