Key Biscayne, Florida- New York Yankee third baseman and power hitter Alex Rodriguez drew an enthusiastic and attentive audience at the first-ever Leadership Workshop on Sports at its 15th Annual Conference here. Rodriguez fielded numerous questions about his record-breaking career in major league baseball, his youth, his business interests, his values and his family life.

Accompanied by his wife, the former Cynthia Scurtis, the granddaughter of a Greek Orthodox priest, he spoke of growing up in Miami where his mother worked at Latin American Restaurant, his early devotion to baseball, which he uses as a metaphor for life, and the courting of his wife and her Greek American family. He said that his marriage into one “of the most beautiful families” changed his lifestyle and gave him direction and appreciation of true values to live by, citing the advice of his wife’s grandfather. His wife reciprocated, calling him one of the most dedicated, loyal and honest partners.

Rodriguez advised the young people in the audience never to seek financial goals, but to look for the right mentors to guide them into a responsible and focused life, whether they go into sports, fine arts, science or business. He said his greatest regret was to forgo a college education. Citing as the ultimate role model, Carl Ripen Jr., he said one has to persevere and keep on one’s toes organizing everyday life to fit one’s goals and vision. He said baseball was 8 % of what he did with his time and that his involvement in a real estate business, philanthropic causes and family life were pursued with equal passion.

He cited his religious and prayer life as central elements of his daily routine and essential to his ability to withstand criticism when his record-breaking contract with the New York Yankees became global news.

George Behrakis, newly elected Chairman of Leadership 100, moderated the questions to Rodriguez, joined by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios and George Stamas, a member of Leadership 100 who is Rodriguez’s attorney.

Earlier in the day, Leadership 100 held its General Assembly, introducing George Behrakis as the new Chairman and Stephen Yeonas as Vice Chairman, and reported on record-setting assets at the end of 2005 in the Endowment Fund of $54.9 million, the highest number of contributions, in the same period, since 2001, and grants allocated, including $2.5 million in 2006, now exceeding $20 million since the inception of the organization in 1984.