A-Rod and Jeter in the most awkward interview ... ever!
The theme was giving, and one network gave us an ultra-uncomfortable moment between former Yankee frenemies.
CNBC reporter Bob Pisani staged the mother of all awkward TV interviews Tuesday, when he had former Bombers teammates Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez side-by-side at the BTIG global financial services company’s “Charity Day” in midtown.
Repeatedly veering off path from the charity theme of the event, Pisani first asked Jeter and A-Rod if they are now friends, and later put Rodriguez on the spot about his new gal pal, singer/actress Jennifer Lopez, and the couple’s date night Monday at the Met Gala.
“This is a treat to see you guys together. You guys are friends now?” Pisani asked to a clearly miffed Jeter and Rodriguez, as the two sat fidgeting in their chairs at the BTIG offices. The retired Yankees captain and the steroid-tainted Rodriguez have had a strained relationship dating back to when A-Rod dissed Jeter in a 2001 Esquire magazine interview.
“Shortstop, third base. This is exactly how we were back in the day,” said Rodriguez.
“The press made a little thing about the back-and-forth between you two. Was that real?” asked Pisani.
“You’re bringing up stories from about 20 years ago, huh?” said Jeter. Rodriguez then blurted: “History Channel,” mocking Pisani’s CNBC employer.
“We were going to talk to you about the charity events, but you sort of moved everything around here with what happened (Monday) night at the Met, the gala,” said Pisani. “People were talking about it.”
“Wow,” said Rodriguez. “This interview is going all types of places. We had a great time (Monday) night. It was a celebration of art and fashion. And I was looking for my boy Derek, but he wasn’t there this year.”
But Pisani couldn’t stay away from the gossip angle, asking Rodriguez: “You showed up with J-Lo, of course.”
“What channel is this?” asked Jeter in mock surprise. “E! Channel,” said Rodriguez.
“People want to know,” said Pisani.
“That’s great,” Rodriguez said, clearly annoyed.
But Pisani was only getting started, and he soon switched gears to the Miami Marlins, a team that current owner Jeffrey Loria has on the block. Jeter is reportedly part of a bidding group that includes former Florida governor and 2016 GOP presidential candidate Jeb Bush. Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred said last week that two groups — not Jeter’s group solely — are bidding for the South Florida baseball team.
“Now you’ve been in the news recently. Not at the Met Gala, but your interest in buying the Marlins,” said Pisani.
“There’s absolutely nothing to add to that. I think the media ran with a story,” said Jeter. “We’re here today for the BTIG Charity Day.”
“But 1.3 billion – a lot of money to buy a big league baseball team. You’re gonna be involved in that if we get the deal done?” Pisani asked Jeter.
“Like I said, we’re here for the charity event today,” said Jeter. “We’re not here to talk about anything else.”
Jeter later blew by several print reporters who were waiting to talk to him following the CNBC fiasco, but the 42-yearold former shortstop wanted nothing to do with any more media questions.
“I do not because I have a flight. I’m sorry,” said Jeter when asked if he would stop to talk with reporters. “I’ll see you guys in less than two weeks (at the Yankee Stadium ceremony to retire his No. 2 jersey).” Asked if he was an owner yet, something that Jeter has said many times over the years that he wants to achieve, he said, “Come on, man,” and then ducked into the elevator.
Baseball’s all-time saves leader and former Yankee closer Mariano Rivera was also at the event, and said he hopes his former teammate Jeter becomes an owner, although Rivera said Jeter hasn’t yet tapped him to be part of the ownership group nor to be the Marlins’ future pitching coach if Jeter is successful in buying the team.
“We haven’t talked about that. I hope that (Jeter owning the Marlins) happens. He has a passion for the game. He loves the game. He wants to invest in youngsters. Give back. It’s also a business, but it’s a way to give back. I’m praying for that,” said Rivera.