Alex Rodriguez balancing life as MLB analyst, NBA co-owner and gum disease awareness advocate

Alex Rodriguez is currently experiencing an exciting time of year. As a 14-time Major League Baseball All-Star, he has joined Fox Sports’ MLB postseason studio analyst crew, along with Derek Jeter, David Ortiz, and Kevin Burkhardt.

Apart from his baseball career, Rodriguez is also preparing for the 2023-24 NBA season as a co-owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Along with his business partner Marc Lore, they have made a $290 million payment in March towards the ownership of the Timberwolves and the Minnesota Lynx, giving them a 40 percent stake in both franchises.

In addition to his other ventures, Rodriguez has taken on an ambassador role for dental care. In May, he revealed that he has been diagnosed with early-stage gum disease, a condition that affects approximately 65 million Americans. Rodriguez initially felt anxious upon receiving the diagnosis but has since started treatment and attends regular check-ups every three months.

Among all of his endeavors, Rodriguez is currently most focused on the Timberwolves. With the NBA regular season set to begin soon, he is determined to bring a championship to Minnesota.

Rodriguez’s business path closely follows that of NBA legend Magic Johnson, whom he considers a friend and mentor. Like Johnson, Rodriguez aims to invest in underserved communities while also staying connected to the world of baseball. He plans to expand his ventures in real estate, social media, e-commerce, and other areas.

Similarly to Johnson, Rodriguez is committed to making a positive impact in underserved communities. He wants to provide education, access to dental care, and address the factors that hinder access to care. Rodriguez has partnered with oral care company OraPharma to raise awareness about gum disease and promote regular check-ups and treatments.

A recent study conducted by the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health revealed that oral health disparities disproportionately affect Latino communities in the United States. Furthermore, gum disease has been associated with an increased risk of other chronic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which have a significant impact on the Latino community.

Rodriguez strongly believes in the importance of dental care and encourages proactive measures. He encourages regular visits to the dentist to ensure early detection and prompt treatment. As a former professional athlete who never used tobacco, Rodriguez recognizes the significance of maintaining oral health.

As the NBA season draws near, Rodriguez’s excitement for the Timberwolves continues to grow. He has been actively involved with the team, attending numerous games last season and engaging with officials from various aspects of the franchise. With promising players like Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Rudy Gobert, Rodriguez sees great potential for the team.

Beyond the team’s on-court potential, Rodriguez is also excited about the impact sports can have on the Minneapolis community. He believes that sports, along with music, can bring people together and contribute to the city’s unity, especially following the tragic death of George Floyd in 2020. Rodriguez sees Minneapolis as an underrated town and recognizes the potential for growth and community-building through sports.

(Photo: Steph Chambers / Getty Images)