A-Rod: 'I'm just feeling very grateful to be back playing baseball'

Alex Rodriguez is on a mission. And he's silencing the skeptics in the process.

The 39-year-old, who has 10 major league games under his belt since serving a year-long suspension, has hit the ground running and the majority of fastballs thrown his way. Rodriguez, looking anything but an aged star hobbled by a pair of wonky hips, is winning back fans - at least in New York - one swing at a time.

He admitted Friday after adding another two homers to his team-leading total of four that even he didn't know what to expect out of himself this season. 

Related: A-Rod 2 homers shy of tying Mays for 4th on all-time list

But as A-Rod continues to beat up on the opposition and remind the baseball world that he's a former No. 1 overall pick, 14-time All-Star and three-time MVP, it's clear he's still capable of inflicting damage. 

"More than anything, I'm just feeling very grateful to be back playing baseball," he told reporters after powering New York to a 5-4 win Friday over the Tampa Bay Rays. "I'm very grateful to (owners) Hank and Hal (Steinbrenner) for giving me the opportunity to put the uniform on again. 

"It's something I don't take for granted and it's much appreciated. It just feels good to be playing baseball. I'm having fun out there."

The Yankees' designated hitter is leading the team in every meaningful offensive category. He ranks second in the American League in homers, RBIs (11) and slugging (.781). Batting .344 with a .432 on-base percentage, Rodriguez has gone from a question mark to New York's top offensive performer. 

And he's fast and furiously approaching Hall of Famer Willie Mays on the all-time home run leaderboard.

New York's upper brass - allegedly prepared to attempt voiding his home run milestone bonuses - may not support Rodriguez, but that doesn't mean his teammates don't. 

"It’s pretty impressive, you know, to take all the time off that he's taken off,” Brett Gardner said after Friday's game. "He's no spring chicken anymore, either. But the bat speed, his bat's really, really quick through the zone. He's taking good swings. It's a lot of fun to see. 

"He's not somebody I'd ever count out. I see how hard he works and how much he loves playing the game, and how good of a job he's always done in preparing himself for the game."