Alex Rodriguez reversed a tumultuous month of jeering with a two-run homer in the 12th inning Wednesday, rallying the Yankees to a 4-3 victory over the Braves.
He began his joyous trot around the bases by clapping his hands and blowing a kiss to the sky and, with his teammates at home plate for the celebration, Rodriguez flung his batting helmet in the air.
After Marcus Giles put Atlanta ahead with a solo shot in the top half, Rodriguez finally delivered the big hit those demanding Yankees fans have been clamoring for all month. The highest-paid player in baseball has been booed constantly during a difficult June.
"That's the fans' privilege," Yankees manager Joe Torre said. "We don't pay the fans' salary. But right now, the fans love him to death."
For Right Now, Yankee Fans Love A-Rod After Walk-Off HR