Roriguez makes huge donation to Miami

CORAL GABLES, Fla., Oct. 10 (UPI) -- Alex Rodriguez, a former shortstop prospect at the University of Miami, Thursday announced he has made a $3.9 million contribution to the school.

The gift will be used to fund an annual scholarship at the school for a member of the Boys & Girls Club of America as well as to kick off a stadium renovation campaign for the baseball team.

Rodriguez, the highest paid player in baseball history with a 10-year, $252 million contract with the Texas Rangers and a Miami resident, also announced his intention to enroll at the school.

"When I signed my contract with the Seattle Mariners in 1993, there was only one other possible decision I might have made," Rodriguez said. "I could have enrolled at Miami. I chose baseball first, but I always expected, and I promised my mother, I would one day enroll at the university and get my degree. That day has arrived."

Rodriguez signed a scholarship to play baseball for Miami in 1993, but never played for the Hurricanes after being drafted by Seattle.

"Alex has always, in our mind, been a member of the University of Miami baseball family," said Coach Jim Morris. "Now we can say it officially and we are thrilled that he has given us the means to begin renovating the great ballpark. Too bad he can't play shortstop for us."

The gift to the stadium renovation campaign represents the largest contribution ever to the school's baseball program. The university has decided to name the facility Alex Rodriguez Park when construction is completed.