Stadium named after A-Rod; admits 'mistakes'

(NECN/WPLG) - The University of Miami's Hurricane Club held a "Dinner on the Diamond" on Friday night, officially celebrating the naming of "Alex Rodriguez Park." The Miami native donated nearly $4 million to renovate the park, which now features new dugouts and other stadium infrastructure. Some of the new features are the VIP suites, a new clubhouse and gym facilities. Rodriguez addressed the crowd at the ceremony, praising the game of baseball for all it has given him, despite the recent troubles that have come to light. "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," Rodriguez said. "There will be adversity along the way. But regardless of the challenges that lie ahead, move forward, address your errors and right your path." Rodriguez was working out in the University's gym when approached by Sports Illustrated reporter Selena Roberts concerning <A HREF="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/02/07/alex-rodriguez-steroids/" target="_blank">information the publication had obtained</A> about the 11-time All-Star's alleged performance enhancing drug use. Earlier this week, <A HREF="http://www.bostonscore.tv/redsox/wow-3/10020677.html" target="_blank">Rodriguez spoke with ESPN's Peter Gammons</A> about his time with the Texas Rangers and admitted to taking illegal substances. Rodriguez did not attend the University of Miami, but maintains a close relationship with the baseball program. <i>Video courtesy of WPLG</i>.