NEW YORK — A dark cloud followed Alex Rodriguez, even for his Yankees farewell.

Skies blackened just as his tribute began at Yankee Stadium ahead of Friday night's game against the Rays, the last before the team releases the faded 41-year-old.

With Rodriguez's family on the field, public address announcer Paul Olden said: “Alex, you spent 12 of your 22 seasons with the Yankees” when a loud thunder crack shook the ballpark, as if ordered by a film director.

Rain started to fall during a video message from Lou Piniella, Rodriguez's first big league manager, and the festivities ended awkwardly after 10 minutes when a downpour began. Ten minutes later, the clouds started to clear, somewhat symbolic of A-Rod's time in New York.

The game was delayed about 30 minutes.

With fans standing to watch history, Rodriguez laced an RBI double to right-center off Chris Archer in the first inning to score Brett Gardner.

It was A-Rod's 548th double of his career, pulling him within one of tying Chipper Jones for 28th place on MLB's all-time doubles list.

The RBI was the 2,086th of his career.

During the tribute, Rodriguez received an ovation for about 30 seconds. Reggie Jackson accompanied his mom onto the field, and his daughters were escorted by former closer Mariano Rivera, who drew louder cheers than A-Rod.

Yankees co-owner Jenny Steinbrenner Swindal presented a base signed by the team and controlling owner Hal Steinbrenner gave a framed No. 13 jersey when the downpour caused the group to hustle off the field.