Alex Rodriguez Admits "Mistakes" in First Public Appearance

While The New York Yankees pitchers and catchers fielded questions and defended Rodriguez in Tampa at spring training, he was in Coral Gables, Florida at an event on his behalf.

The event was built around the $3.9 million donation 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.

The New York Yankees' third baseman stood on the podium with poise and understanding for his actions as he began a long road ahead this season.

He stood tall and showed class during, what was around a seven-minute speech, which included a minute long standing ovation as he was accepted by his peers.

His name is now affixed on the scoreboard in left field, Rodriguez spoke for the first time in public since his admission of using banned substances for the Texas Rangers in 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 moment that gave me goose bumps as I watched a recorded video of this speech is when he asked the entire University of Miami baseball team to stand up and he had a 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."

Regardless of what he has done and how sad it is to me, Rodriguez is still my favorite player, and I will continue to support him as long as he does what I expect of him.

So far, after tonight, he has done so.

Righting his wrongs and playing great baseball is all I ask of Rodriguez.  I want to move on and enjoy the rest of his career, and I am sure he wants to do the same.

Rodriguez had committed to the Hurricanes, but in August of 1993, just before classes would begin, Rodriguez never got the chance to enroll.  He, instead, was lured away by the Seattle Mariners with a $1.3 million deal and the first overall pick.

Next week, Rodriguez will get down to business as he enters George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa as he reports to spring training for the New York Yankees.

"He has been the focus of the media in the past, so I am sure this is nothing new for him and he should be fine," said Pettitte while he was sitting in the dugout in Tampa.

It will be a long ride this season, but I will be on board the entire time, supporting No. 13 all the way.