I was lucky enough to have the talent to play baseball. That's how I treated my career. I didn't think I was anybody special, anybody different.

I loved the game - I loved the competition. But I never had any fun. All hard work - all the time.

I think about baseball when I wake up in the morning. I think about it all day and I dream about it at night. The only time I don't think about it is when I'm playing it.

I came to love Fenway. It was a place that rejuvenated me after a road trip; the fans right on top of you, the nutty angles. And the Wall. That was my baby, the left-field wall, the Green Monster.

I remember I was a scared rookie, hitting .220 after the first three months of my baseball season, and doubting my ability.

You never know what's going to happen. Anything can happen there... and often does.

When they knock you down, you not only have to get up, but you have to make it clear that you won't be knocked down a second time.