A-Rod admits mistakes as Miami renames field

February 14, 2009 at 12:00a.m.

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — Saying he had a responsibility to give back, Alex Rodriguez briefly addressed the drug scandal that has enveloped his life for the last week Friday night when the University of Miami formally renamed its baseball field in his honor.

With his name affixed to the scoreboard in left field, Rodriguez — who was greeted by a 45-second standing ovation — spoke in public for the first time since acknowledging he took banned substances as a member of the Texas Rangers from 2001-2003.

“I have been so fortunate to have received so much from a game I love so much,” Rodriguez said. “That doesn’t mean I haven’t made mistakes, and unless you’ve been in a cave under the ocean this last week, you know that I’ve made some. What it does mean is that I understand only in America can you dream big, work hard, and be rewarded beyond your wildest dreams.”

The New York Yankees’ third baseman spoke for about seven minutes, opening his remarks by acknowledging the dozens of cameras there for his appearance — his “dysfunctional family,” Rodriguez called that group — and closing by mentioning the scandal that shook baseball.

He asked this year’s Miami baseball team to stand, and had a brief message for them.

“There will be adversity along the way,” Rodriguez said. “But regardless of the challenges that lie ahead, move forward, address your errors and right your path.”

Even after the dramatic week, which began with a Sports Illustrated report that Rodriguez was on a list of 104 players who tested positive in 2003, the Hurricanes’ annual baseball banquet had a festive air.

Miniature bats and popcorn centerpieces adorned the round tables scattered around the infield dirt, and tiny bags of Cracker Jack were at each placesetting.

The way Miami coach Jim Morris saw it, there were no shortage of reasons to celebrate.

“For me, it’s a great night,” Morris said. “It’s a great day for our program because we’re getting a beautiful ballpark, of course named after Alex Rodriguez. ... For me, it’s been a long time waiting and a great day.”

The event was built around the $3.9 million gift for stadium renovations that Rodriguez made to the program in 2003, and having the field renamed “Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field” in his honor.