I went on inactive duty in August 1945, and since I had stayed in such good shape and had played ball on military teams, I was ready to start for the Indians just two days later, against the Tigers.

I don't think baseball owes colored people anything. I don't think colored people owe baseball anything, either.

Sympathy is something that shouldn't be bestowed on the Yankees. Apparently it angers them.

When I pick up the ball and it feels nice and light and small I know I'm going to have a good day. But if I picked it up and it's big and heavy, I know I'm liable to get into a little trouble.

Cooperstown is the greatest place on Earth.

Life comes down to honesty and doing what's right. That's what's most important.

I was only a gun captain on the battleship Alabama for 34 months. People have called me a hero for that, but I'll tell you this - heroes don't come home. Survivors come home.