Relive A-Rod's thrilling first spring training workout

Alex Rodriguez has returned from his MLB-mandated college football tailgate tour and reported to spring training at the Yankees' facility in Tampa. These are exciting times for the baseball media.

The day started with reporters waiting for A-Rod to surface.

Waiting at #Yankees minor league complex for Alex Rodriguez to show up. Word is, today is the day.
— Bob Klapisch (@BobKlap) February 23, 2015

Bus stop outside Yankees complex. Wonder if ARod will arrive via mass transit. pic.twitter.com/2gIOrrLHt0
— Sweeny Murti (@SweenyMurti) February 23, 2015

• Giants, Dodgers both try to claim Manny Pacquiao's fandom

Cashman said he's heard ARod will be showing up today at minor league complex but "we're trying to confirm that."
— Erik Boland (@eboland11) February 23, 2015

Though word came down this morning A-Rod would show up today. It now looks a little more iffy.
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) February 23, 2015

Vultures now circling #Yankees minor league complex. Apparently think a reporter will drop on sidewalk soon. #AROD pic.twitter.com/vh8KGYJBNo
— David Lennon (@DPLennon) February 23, 2015

• Jeffrey Maier's 1996 ALCS glove sells for $22,705

Eventually, he arrived, with servants laying palms before his feet in a white car.

A-Rod arrived at #Yankees minor league complex in white suburban. Emerged carrying bats. Imagine we'll be climbing fences to see him hit.
— David Lennon (@DPLennon) February 23, 2015

Shady's back. Tell a friend. pic.twitter.com/mRw6hVml8B
— Sweeny Murti (@SweenyMurti) February 23, 2015

• Albert Pujols' daughter is training for the 2020 Olympics

And here it is ... My first A-Rod appearance of the spring. pic.twitter.com/IexvvgCUvD
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) February 23, 2015

Alex Rodriguez is here #Yankees pic.twitter.com/dFW77d8oZx
— Brendan Kuty 🧟‍♂️ (@BrendanKutyNJ) February 23, 2015

There's Alex! pic.twitter.com/RACeApPeSI
— Anthony McCarron (@AnthonyMcCarron) February 23, 2015

ROD #Rod RT @eboland11: Not in focus but ARod leaving Steinbrenner after physical pic.twitter.com/mSZE4UIngq
— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) February 23, 2015

And then the real show began.

ARod on the field at Yankees minor league complex. Warming up with medicine ball. Loves the medicine ball.
— John Harper (@NYNJHarper) February 23, 2015

ARod's workout underway. Warming up with a medicine ball. Strength coach and 3 others observing.
— Sweeny Murti (@SweenyMurti) February 23, 2015

A-rod is now on his knees by third base taking grounders. Insert whatever jokes you want.
— Daniel Barbarisi (@DanBarbarisi) February 23, 2015

Now fielding grounders at 3b.
— Sweeny Murti (@SweenyMurti) February 23, 2015

The most controversial DH in history is taking grounders at 3B #didntgetthememo #Yankees
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) February 23, 2015

*Chase Headley visits family in Oregon during the All-Star break; gets dysentery; A-Rod balks on playing 3B* "You see, I got this memo..."
— Craig Calcaterra (@craigcalcaterra) February 23, 2015

I'm sure the Yankees sent a guy who might back up on the infield a few times this year telling him to NEVER practice defense.
— Craig Calcaterra (@craigcalcaterra) February 23, 2015

A large crowd assembled to watch the once-great slugger practice his craft.

The picture i took of people taking pictures of ARod is better than my actual faraway ARod pics. So you get that. pic.twitter.com/aIjVwQ1cvk
— Daniel Barbarisi (@DanBarbarisi) February 23, 2015

Believe it or not, the best vantage point to see A-Rod working out. #yankees pic.twitter.com/Z41eSZPiqR
— David Lennon (@DPLennon) February 23, 2015

Yes, we are watching A-Rod through a fence from 400 feet away. Being part of a parody has its charms. pic.twitter.com/ONeVsfpX5T
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 23, 2015

The writers then held a contest to see who could take the worst picture of A-Rod.

Arod in first workout pic.twitter.com/KKY9EY4vJg
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 23, 2015

Yes, that blurry figure is A-Rod. I took it standing on a picnic table 400 feet away on an iPhone 5. #yankees pic.twitter.com/yfHGswKVBf
— David Lennon (@DPLennon) February 23, 2015

A-Rod walking pic.twitter.com/706K0hYwuV
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) February 23, 2015

Ah, spring is in the air.

- Dan Gartland

GALLERY: CELEBRITIES AT SPRING TRAINING

Celebrities at Spring Training

Kate Upton

Here's a look at celebrities at spring training through the years.

Cameron Diaz

John Goodman

Eva Longoria and Ricardo Antonio Chavira

Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren

Regis Philibin

Matthew Broderick

George Clooney

Jerry Seinfeld

Billy Crystal

Will Ferrell

Kevin Costner

Matthew McConaughey

Jordin Sparks

Ron Howard

Muhammad Ali, George Brett, Joe Torre and Wayne Gretzky

Paul Simon

James Taylor

Sigourney Weaver

The Blueman Group

Charlie Pride

Rob Schnieder and Willie Mays

Garth Brooks

Jennie Finch

Jim Belushi

Mario Lopez

WWE performer Kelly Kelly

Martin Short

Robin Williams

Bobby Knight

David Cook

James Blake

Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino

Rob Schnieder

Actor Rob Schnieder (left) stands with Jeff Fassero, Ray Durham, and Barry Bonds who's portraying Paula Abdul.