Whether you love them or hate them, many have considered the New York Yankees the class of Major League Baseball for years. The “classy” Yankees reappeared in 1995, when a 20-year-old shortstop named Derek Jeter quietly came on the MLB scene and transformed himself into one of the all-time great Yankees. The early Jeter years brought championships back to New York. However, more importantly to Yankee fans, it brought back Yankee pride. Jeter is a class act.

Aside from a few Mickey Rivers-types, since the days of Joe DiMaggio et al, wearing the Yankee pinstripes took on a special meaning to most professional baseball players - and garnered a special air of respect. After 26 World Series Championships, it’s well deserved.

However, as the 2007 season progresses, one gets the feeling that the pinstripe respect-card is waning. Playing below .500 certainly doesn’t help, nor does the Jason Giambi “stuff” fiasco. But the root of the demise of Yankee pride is the ongoing saga of Alex Rodriguez. Since he first put on the pinstripes, and despite his 1995 MVP Award, A-Rod’s life as a Yankee has been nothing short of a train-wreck.

Forget his recent off-field personal life problems. During the years, the Yankees had ample off-field antics. Just read former Yankee pitcher Jim Bouton’s book, Ball Four. No, it’s the on-field sportsmanship, or lack thereof, of Rodriguez that has the Yankees “class” and “pride” designation in jeopardy. His recent episode in Toronto regarding his successful attempt to verbally confuse a fielder is only one of many episodes not befitting any professional baseball player, let alone one in pinstripes. Let’s also recall when he slapped the ball from Bronson Arroyo’s glove in the 2004 American League Championship Series. He got nabbed for that one too.

While some Yankee fans may not agree, just ask yourself … would Jeter indulge in A-Rod antics? We all know the answer to that.

Fear not Yankee fans…Rodriguez will not be wearing pinstripes much longer.