The best thing you can do in the whole world is to play baseball. That's a lucky job... The passion for baseball is always going to be there.

I think baseball has moved on in many ways and the focus on the competitions on the field is really what the game is all about. It seems to be healthy. It seems more people are watching it.

I've felt some great feelings on the baseball field... in front of 50,000 people and millions on TV... but the feeling you get when you give a kid a chance, that is a hundred times greater than that feeling.

Whether your name is (Lou) Gehrig or (Cal) Ripken, (Joe) DiMaggio or (Jackie) Robinson, or that of some youngster who picks up his bat or puts on his glove, you are challenged by the game of baseball to do your very best day in and day out. That's all I've ever tried to do.

I love baseball. The game allowed me the influence to impact kids in a positive way. This gives me a chance to talk to some social issues.

Different styles work for different guys... If you can handle shortstop and hit, teams will find a way to pencil you into the lineup.

As long as I can compete, I won't quit. Reaching three-thousand is not the finish line as long as I can contribute.