Whenever main information unfolded in South Florida, together with the area’s biggest sports moments, Eliott Rodriguez was typically proper on the middle of it, anchoring protection as historical past occurred.
Eliott Rodriguez anchors South Florida’s biggest championship moments
One of these defining moments got here in 2012, when the Miami Heat’s Big 3 (LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh) delivered an NBA championship and Rodriguez anchored CBS Miami’s dwell parade protection.
On a scorching, steamy day in Downtown Miami, he brought viewers straight into the celebration unfolding alongside the waterfront.
“Pat Riley, Micky Arison, that double decker bus is right now passing, getting ready to pass along picturesque Bayfront Park,” Rodriguez mentioned on air because the championship procession rolled by.
Championship moments grew to become acquainted territory.
Rodriguez incessantly broke into late-night protection alongside co-anchors comparable to Lauren Pastrana to kick off celebrations for different South Florida title groups, together with the Miami Marlins and Florida Panthers.
A hyperlocal presence with deep ties to Miami sports
Beyond the biggest phases, Rodriguez constructed a popularity as a deeply hyperlocal presence, typically noticed round city supporting South Florida’s groups, particularly his beloved Miami Hurricanes.
That local connection prolonged to spotlighting future stars.
Rodriguez could possibly be discovered on tennis courts telling the tales of up-and-coming gamers from the Miami First Serve program. He did not hesitate to seize his personal racket to assist deliver these tales to life, often breaking a sweat and almost colliding with a photojournalist whereas chasing a younger prodigy’s forehand.
Tennis is a private ardour for Rodriguez when he is not on the anchor desk or standing in entrance of a inexperienced display screen. The sport faucets into his aggressive aspect. Longtime tennis companion Steve Boyer mentioned Rodriguez would describe upcoming doubles matches as “blood sport.”
Baseball, nevertheless, has at all times been his past love. This previous summer season, Rodriguez marked a private milestone by throwing out the first pitch at a Miami Marlins game. Not leaving the second to probability, he referred to as on University of Miami baseball coach J.D. Arteaga to assist put together his arm for the event.
It was a championship second of his personal, and simply as he had finished for many years whereas main protection of parades, trophies and title celebrations, Rodriguez represented South Florida on an enormous stage.