"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 place setting.
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.
In 2004, government officials seized the list of 104 names who tested positive and they remain under seal, but Rodriguez's name was leaked.
"It's not fair to Alex to pinpoint one guy," Morris said. "I'm afraid I wouldn't want to see the list, but at the same time, I don't think it's fair to pinpoint one guy."
Rodriguez did not speak with reporters at the $75-a-seat event.
School officials said a few alumni have complained about Rodriguez's name attached to the park, but Morris said the overwhelming majority of boosters and others support the gesture.
"It's obviously a hot issue right now. It's been a hot issue in baseball for a while," student body president Brandon Gross said. "But what's different about Alex Rodriguez is he came out and admitted that he did something wrong and took personal responsibility for his actions. So I think the university is still as proud as when he made the announcement in 2003 to have his name up here."
The 12-time All-Star selection has a long relationship with Miami, even though he never played for the Hurricanes.
