Alex Rodriguez’s Daughters and Ex-Wife Open Up About Family Struggles in Powerful New HBO Documentary
For years, Alex Rodriguez has been one of the most recognizable names in sports — but in HBO’s new three-part documentary “Alex vs. A-Rod,” viewers are finally seeing the man behind the legend through the eyes of those who know him best: his daughters and his ex-wife, Cynthia Scurtis.
In the second episode of the series, which explores the baseball icon’s 22-season career and his off-field battles with fame, family, and controversy, Rodriguez’s daughters Natasha and Ella open up about what it’s really like growing up with a famous dad.
Ella: “I Hate Being Called A-Rod’s Daughter”
Seventeen-year-old Ella Rodriguez didn’t hold back when she talked about the pressure of having a global superstar for a father.
“I don’t like calling myself A-Rod’s daughter,” she admits. “I actually hate that. Growing up, people were always like, ‘Your dad is A-Rod?’ or ‘A-Rod’s going to be here?’
Then I’d think, Guys, he has a name — it’s Alex. He’s a real human.”
Ella went on to explain that while life in the spotlight has been “weird,” it also shaped her drive and discipline.
“I think I’m very ambitious because of him. When he really sets his mind to something, there’s no stopping him. I got a lot of that from him.”
Natasha: “We’re Carbon Copies of Each Other”
Older sister Natasha, 20, who’s currently studying at the University of Michigan, describes her father as her twin in both passion and personality.
“My dad and I are kind of like twin flames when it comes to work ethic, passion, and ambition,” she said. “We’re both social butterflies, but our circles are small. So we’re basically carbon copies of each other.”
Natasha also reflected on her father’s intensity and drive — qualities that made him one of the best players in MLB history but also complicated family life.
“Alex is the best,” she said. “But your ego thrives off your achievements and everything you do — which is something I do too. And A-Rod has a lot of those.”
Cynthia Scurtis: “It Was Exciting — But It Wasn’t Wonderful”
Their mother, Cynthia Scurtis, who was married to Rodriguez from 2002 to 2008, also appears in the documentary, offering a rare and honest perspective on what life was like during his Yankees years.
“It was exciting, but it was also really hard,” she recalled. “You’re on a baseball schedule. I’m not going to pretend it was wonderful — it was not wonderful. It was a different level of notoriety, different people watching, it was just different. It was New York.”
Despite the challenges, Cynthia and Alex have remained close friends and committed co-parents.
“He wanted kids right after we got married, and I wasn’t ready,” she said. “He’s very convincing, though. When he wants something, he finds a way.”
Rodriguez: “Being Their Father Is the Most Rewarding Part of My Life”
Now 50, Rodriguez reflected on how fatherhood has changed him.
“I always wanted to provide what my father couldn’t — a safe place for my family,” he shared. “Watching my daughters grow up and being part of their lives has been the most rewarding experience of my life.”
Red Carpet Reunion
The former couple reunited with their daughters at the New York premiere of “Alex vs. A-Rod”, joined by Rodriguez’s girlfriend, Jaclyn Cordeiro, and NFL legend Tom Brady.
The three-part HBO docuseries promises an unprecedented look at the complex duality between Alex, the man — and A-Rod, the global brand.
“Alex vs. A-Rod” premieres on Thursday, Nov. 6, with subsequent episodes airing on Nov. 13 and Nov. 20 exclusively on HBO and Max.
