Alex Rodriguez found a way to silence the boos, even if it was just for one at-bat.

The 38-year-old slugger, who is appealing a 211-game ban for violating Major League Baseball's drug policy, pulled within 12 home runs of Willie Mays on the all-time list with his second-inning home run on Sunday. The solo shot was his first home run since September 2012 and marked the 648th time he has gone deep in his career. 

Sunday was only Rodriguez's fifth game of the year and he was only 3-for-15 heading into his home run at-bat.

"It's good to get that first one out of the way, and we needed this win," he said after the game.

Rodriguez is also racking up the RBI total for his career. He now has 1,951 career RBIs, passing hall of famer Stan Musial for fifth place on the all-time list. A-Rod hit an RBI single in the fourth inning.

The last year off the field has been disastrous for Rodriguez. From his injuries to the growing controversies surrounding his role with performance enhancing drugs, the headlines have been anything but positive. People are fed up because the world thought he moved on after announcing his previous connection to performance enhancing drugs in 2009. But he hopes the ability to play in New York may help everyone get past the issues a little faster.

"All you want is really an opportunity, and I think New York always gives you that," he said. "I feel that way walking around the city; the support has never been stronger. I'm very thankful." 

Rodriguez's Yankees, a team plagued by injuries this season, are just keeping their heads above water at 59-57. New York remains 7 games back in the wild card race and 10 games behind in the division.