I would order a dozen bats and there were times they'd come back with handles at each end.

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.

People don't know this, but I helped the Cardinals win the pennant. I came down with hepatitis. The trainer injected me with it!

I remember one time I'm batting against the Dodgers in Milwaukee. They lead, 2 - 1, it's the bottom of the ninth, bases loaded, two out and the pitcher has a full count on me. I look over to the Dodger dugout and they're all in street clothes.

I led the league in go get 'em next time.

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

I just grew the hair on my back. Facial hair just wasn't appealing to me. I liked it on my back, though.