Alex Rodriguez was cheered when he stepped out onto the field with his teammates on Thursday in his first appearance in a New York Yankees uniform in 17 months.

He was cheered again when he came out of the dugout for batting practice about an hour later.

"It was pretty awesome," Rodriguez said after the workout. "I think sometimes you can take for granted being a major league baseball player. Just being able to go out there and stuff that I did when I was 10 years old. At the very least, I hope I get to finish my career up really appreciating the game."

Rodriguez admitted that he was nervous and will continue to be as he works his way back.