I spent 34 months on the battleship Alabama, South Dakota-class. I was a gun captain. First we went to Russia for about 11 months with the British convoys. Then we were up in Norway and Scandinavia.

I try to be a good human being and keep up with what's going on in the world by reading and staying in touch with the current events.

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.

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

Cooperstown is the greatest place on Earth.

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.

I did what any American could and should do: serve his country in its time of need.