In 1962 I was named Minor League Player of the Year. It was my second season in the bigs.

After getting out of the service and going into baseball I never wanted to do anything else.

I think my top salary was maybe in 1966. I made $17,000 and 11 of that came from selling other players' equipment.

Any teammate of mine that had a kid and a boy that was capable of playing baseball, I think I set a terrific example of 'Don't do this' and 'Don't do that.' And that's one of the things that I'm most proud of.

You know, I was once named Minor League Player of the Year...unfortunately, I had been in the majors for two years at the time.

I hope the fans have enjoyed listening as much as I've enjoyed doing the games. I don't ever go to the park where I don't have a good day. I don't like losing. But I don't think I ever go to the park where I have a bad day. I don't think once.

Let's face it. Umpiring is not an easy or happy way to make a living. In the abuse they suffer, and the pay they get for it, you see an imbalance that can only be explained by their need to stay close to a game they can't resist.