I looked up to my father when I was 7 and 8. I believed it was my calling to be in the big leagues. I'd been raised by a family that always told me I could do anything I wanted.

I can count my friends on one hand.

When someone becomes successful or rich and famous, people perceive that person as being different. But I'm the same guy I've always been.

It's not like I'm some kind of veteran and there is this huge age gap. I identify with them more off the field. I need to set an example, which is great, and I look forward to doing just that.

We're all physical bodies, but basically everything we do is determined by what goes on in our heads. The only person who ever stops me from achieving something is me.

I'm not trying to be cocky, but I set such a high standard for myself. I'm not happy when I pitch seven innings and give up two runs and get a win.

I was this 5-7 pudgy kid in high school... I wasn't a popular kid. I was an outcast.