Maybe A-Rod's problem is this: He simply chose the wrong sport

Rationally, we assume that it is much more agonizing to play an
individual sport, where you can expect no help from any teammates,
where you must depend completely upon yourself. But I believe that
there are certain team players with the personality that turns that
logic upside down, who suffer more pressure precisely because they are
not alone, who are intimidated more by having to produce for their
teammates.