Logo

Yankees President Backs Alex Rodriguez, Calls Hall of Fame Process “A Complete Theater Show” in Fiery Defense of Franchise Legends

New York, New York — November 26, 2025

In a stunning public stance that has sent shockwaves across Major League Baseball, New York Yankees president Hal Steinbrenner has openly backed franchise icon Alex Rodriguez in his criticism of the Baseball Hall of Fame voting system — going as far as calling the entire process “a theater show that has lost its integrity.” The comments mark one of the most direct rebukes from a team executive toward Cooperstown’s long-standing voting standards, especially surrounding players connected to the PED era.

Steinbrenner’s remarks came less than 48 hours after Rodriguez blasted the Hall of Fame’s “hypocrisy,” pointing out that former commissioner Bud Selig was inducted despite overseeing the very era in which stars such as Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Mark McGwire, and Sammy Sosa were accused of using performance-enhancing drugs — while the players themselves remain locked out. A-Rod, who has acknowledged his own role in the PED era, called the dynamic “inconsistent and unfair.” Steinbrenner, in a rare moment of total alignment with the former Yankees slugger, didn’t hold back.

“We need to stop pretending the current process is some sacred moral exam,” Steinbrenner said in an interview with YES Network. “It has become a performance — voters choosing narratives, punishing some while protecting others. If Bud Selig can enter the Hall, then so should the players who defined an entire baseball generation. Right now, it’s a theater show, and everyone knows it.”

His comments reflect growing frustration within front offices around the league that the Hall’s voting criteria have become inconsistently enforced and overly reliant on personal opinions rather than historical impact. Steinbrenner emphasized that while PEDs were undeniably a problem, the era itself cannot be erased — nor should its greatest stars be selectively punished. “Baseball doesn’t get to pretend the ’90s and 2000s didn’t happen,” he said. “We can acknowledge mistakes while still honoring greatness.”

Rodriguez, who had already sparked national debate earlier in the week, expressed gratitude for the Yankees president’s support. A-Rod reaffirmed his belief that even with adjusted statistics — “a 50% PED tax,” as he phrased it — Bonds, Clemens, and others would still be Hall of Fame-level talents. Steinbrenner echoed that sentiment, noting that “Cooperstown is supposed to tell the story of baseball, not rewrite it.”

As Hall of Fame debates intensify ahead of January’s voting announcement, Steinbrenner’s endorsement of Rodriguez’s criticism may shift the conversation in a meaningful way. The Yankees are one of the most influential franchises in sports — and when the organization’s top executive calls the Hall’s current process “a theater show,” the baseball world listens. Whether Cooperstown responds remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the debate over who belongs in the Hall is far from over — and now, it has powerful voices leading the charge.

 
 

10 views
Firefighter Passed Away in the Line of Duty Protecting the City of San Francisco — As 49ers Faithful Welcome the New Year, One Hero Is Left Behind in 2025
Jan 1, 2026 Share this article:Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare on WhatsAppCopy link San Francisco, California – As downtown streets began to glow with New Year’s lights and countdowns echoed across the Bay Area, San Francisco suddenly slowed into a moment of silence. Not because of fog. Not because of a game or a celebration put on hold. The city paused because one quiet question began spreading from neighborhood to neighborhood: Who didn’t make it into the new year with us? That question now has a name. Danny Cook. He wasn’t a star athlete. He never appeared on scoreboards or national television. But in the moments when danger forced everyone else to step back, Cook stepped forward. A San Francisco firefighter, Cook passed away while on duty, leaving behind a city — and 49ers Faithful — struggling to reconcile celebration with loss, joy with gratitude, and hope with grief. Forward progress stopped on the #DannyFire northwest of #Lancaster. Fire burned more than 1,500 acres and a barn but crews kept it from spreading to a nearby house. Helicopters including @CoulsonAviation helitankers, LA County and @LAFD air units were also on scene. @kcalnews pic.twitter.com/Pl1aHpHkrK — John Schreiber (@johnschreiber) June 5, 2023 According to officials, Danny Cook suffered a severe medical emergency while responding to an emergency call. His fellow firefighters immediately initiated life-saving measures at the scene, working against the clock before he was transported to a nearby hospital. Despite exhaustive efforts by fire and medical personnel, Cook passed away during his shift — in service, bound by the oath he lived by. For the San Francisco Fire Department, this was not simply a line-of-duty passing. It was the loss of a brother. A firefighter trusted with lives in the most unforgiving moments. A steady presence when chaos threatened to overwhelm. In this profession, there are no spotlights and no applause — only discipline, courage, and an unspoken promise to protect others at any cost. That loss rippled quickly across the city. From quiet residential streets to the heart of downtown, San Francisco was reminded of a difficult truth: the safety it enjoys every day is sometimes purchased through silent sacrifice. As families prepared to raise a glass to welcome 2026, one family crossed into the new year with an empty chair — and an entire city aware of the debt it owes. A representative of the San Francisco 49ers shared a message of remembrance on behalf of the organization and the community: “San Francisco stands united with the family, friends, and fellow firefighters of Danny Cook. He represents the very best of this city — toughness, selflessness, and a willingness to protect others at all costs. His sacrifice will never be forgotten.” In sports, we often talk about moments that change games. But some people don’t change scoreboards — they change lives. Danny Cook never sought recognition, yet leaves behind a legacy measured in service, courage, and selflessness. His bravery didn’t need an audience to matter. San Francisco will move forward.The city will celebrate, rebuild, and hope again. But 2025 will forever be the year Danny Cook stayed behind — woven permanently into the soul of the city he gave everything to protect.