A-Magnet

At the beginning of the 2009 MLB season I blogged about Alex Rodriguez and his ability to find the spotlight and specifically his knack for being in the center of controversies and surrounding himself with celebrities.

Now, he has a moviestar girlfriend Kate Hudson cheering him on front the expensive seats (she's daughter to Hollywood actors Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, formerly wed to rock band Black Crows frontman Chris Robinson) and A-Rod set two unusual World Series records. Already the first MLB player whose hit was reviewed by instant replay, A-Rod caused the first instant replay in the World Series. He also became the second player in World Series history hit by a pitch three times (matching Max Carey from the 1925 WS). This prompted the umpires to reluctantly warn both benches, a procedural call to try and prevent retaliatory throwing at batters. I've not read this described as another first, but I cannot recall another bench warning the World Series. It's very unusual, especially in the first half inning of the game.