NEW YORK (AP) -- New York Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez was presented on Thursday with a key to the city in honor of his 500th home run.
A-Rod, who just turned 32, hit the milestone homer against the Kansas City Royals on Aug. 4, becoming the 22nd and youngest player to reach the mark.
He received a key to the city from Mayor Michael Bloomberg at Yankee Stadium before a game against the Detroit Tigers while his teammates and manager, Joe Torre, looked on.
"It will be something I hold dear to me for the rest of my life,'' Rodriguez said.
The Yankees paid tribute to A-Rod on Monday before their game against the Baltimore Orioles, presenting him with home plate, a silver tray with an inscription from team owner George Steinbrenner, two portraits and a sculpture.
Keys to the city are presented to distinguished people for outstanding civic contributions. Last week, the mayor presented a key to New York Mets pitcher Tom Glavine in honor of his 300th career win.
A-Rod and Glavine are in lofty company. Past recipients of keys include the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, Pope John Paul II and Mother Theresa.
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