I've never felt overmatched on the baseball field. I've always been a very strong, dominant position. And I felt that if I did my work as I've done since I was, you know, a rookie back in Seattle, I didn't have a problem competing at any level. So, no.

Baseball has a funny way to tap you on the shoulder when you least expect it and tells you it's the end.

It takes a lot of pressure off you just to go out and play, and your talent sometimes shines even more when you don't worry about individual stuff.

Like I say, it's almost embarrassing to talk about. I don't know if Michael Jordan or Bill Gates or Alexander the Great or anyone is worth this type of money, but that's the market we're in today. That's what Mr. Hicks decided to pay me, and now it's time to pay him back and win a couple championships.

I kept thinking my father would come back, But he never did.

Walking the streets of New York, a lot of people are cheering me on. It feels good.

Some things are meant to be and if it was, you will know it.