That time A-Rod started a brawl at Fenway and other memorable moments

BOSTON — Red Sox fans will never forget 2004 -- and one of its most memorable moments.

Some say the image of Jason Varitek shoving his mitt into Alex Rodriguez's face is the moment that defined the regular season.

As writers have noted, it didn't necessarily mark the moment the season turned into the Sox' first World Series win in 86 years, but it certainly exemplifies the kind of tenacity that carried them to the penultimate prize in October -- for many at least.

On July 24, 2004, A-Rod took a pitch to the elbow from Bronson Arroyo and exchanged a few words with him before turning his attention to Varitek.

As the three-time MVP is set to end his career on Friday, he'll make one last stop in Boston this week for a three game series against the Sox.

Here's a look back at that memorable moment in Fenway when tensions boiled over between A-Rod and Varitek.

For Sox fans, that may be the most iconic moment of A-Rod's visits to Fenway. But there are other games with moments just as memorable.

Almost 10 years later, amid Rodriguez's appeal over his suspension for performance enhancing drugs, Ryan Dempster hit A-Rod with a pitch (on his second try). The crowd cheered, but A-Rod got the last laugh as hit went on to finish the night with three-hits, including a sixth-inning hme run off Dempster to ignite the Yankees 9-6 comeback win.

Earlier this season, A-Rod promised a young fan who had traveled across the country after the death of his father he could have his bat if A-Rod hit a homer.

When A-Rod stepped up to the pate he did just that - driving a solo shot over the Green Monster. When he got back around to home plate, he delivered on his promise and gave the bat to the young fan.

Cox Media Group