According to the latest figures from the U.S. Census Bureau, it takes an average U.S. citizen a shade under four years to earn $100,000. Alex Rodriguez does it in six pitches.

Mr. Rodriguez has seen 1,593 pitches entering Monday's game, so after prorating his $33 million salary, he earns roughly $15,856 every time he sees a pitch. But the Yankees' third baseman doesn't necessarily do the least amount of work in sports to pull down $100,000.

Ben...