During a lively KNBR broadcast of the San Francisco Giants’ spring training game against the Chicago Cubs, Hall of Famer Jeff Kent took a trip down memory lane, and it wasn't all pleasant. The conversation turned to a notorious play from June 1998, when Alex Rodriguez, then with the Seattle Mariners, slid hard into Kent at second base, leading to a knee injury for the Giants' star.
Kent didn't hold back his feelings, vividly recalling the incident. "He tore my knee up," Kent said, expressing his lingering frustration. The slide, which Kent described as overly aggressive, left a lasting impression, especially since both players shared the middle infield.
The timing of the injury couldn't have been worse for Kent. Before the mishap, he was on fire, hitting .448 with two home runs and 13 RBIs in just eight games in June 1998. Despite the setback that kept him out for a month, Kent managed to finish the season strong, boasting a .297/.359/.555 slash line, 31 home runs, and 128 RBIs over 137 games.
Fast forward to the present, and Kent's achievements have been rightfully recognized. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame this past December, a dream for any player.
"He tore my knee up. He slid and rolled his fat ass past the base, the son of a bitch."
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) February 22, 2026
Jeff Kent was asked about the knee sprain he got when Alex Rodriguez slid into him in 1998 pic.twitter.com/gjmmB3VO02
Kent was the standout candidate, receiving 14 of 16 votes, while his former teammate Barry Bonds fell short, garnering fewer than five votes. Bonds will have to wait until 2031 for another chance at induction.
Adding to his accolades, the Giants are set to retire Kent’s No. 21 jersey on August 29. His reflections on the Rodriguez incident serve as a reminder that the emotions of the game often linger long after the final out.