Anything less would not have been worthy of me. Anything more would not have been possible.

The moment the game (AL Pennant versus the Twins) was over I sprinted for the dugout. The fans were pouring onto the field. If they'd caught me they'd have torn my uniform into shreds for souvenirs.

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

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 was a lousy hitter in May doing the same things that made me a great hitter in June.

And if I have my choice between a pennant and a triple crown, I'll take the pennant every time.

This is a strange game.