I struck out with two men on base. I was so angry, so frustrated, I turned and without even thinking about it, snapped my bat over my thigh. The bat split right in half. Afterward, reporters asked me if it was the first time I'd ever broken a bat over my thigh. "I broke an aluminum bat over my knee in college," I said. (I was just kidding).

Don't run too fast through life. You only have one.

My sophomore year I placed 2nd, and my junior and senior year - I got smart and piled up enough points between myself and second place where I didn't have to run the mile.

By doing that and being very competitive, the grown-ups started telling me even back before I started playing organized ball that I was too physical and too advanced for the kids my own age.

It's all about the attitude, gut, heart and determination to go out and give 120% every time to try and help the team win.

My workout was running down fly balls, stealing a base, or running for my life on the football field.

My confidence and drive to go play came when I realized how gifted I was at such a young age and how much bigger my build was than the kids my age.