Made it through high school, went to the University of Minnesota.

Everybody faces obstacles. And I looked to people who had been through many to succeed in life. Abraham Lincoln, born to a poor family, faced defeat through most of his life. Lost eight elections, failed two businesses, had a nervous breakdown, and still became president.

I guess I'm the only guy old enough to figure him (Nolan Ryan, 1-Hitter Game in 1991) out.

I'm just glad to get off three-hundred ninety-nine (career home runs). It sounds like something you'd purchase at a discount store.

I chose baseball because to me baseball is the best game of all.

I always enjoy watching Derek Jeter play because he is a model of consistency both in the field and at the plate. I finished my career with 3,110 hits, and I have only admiration and respect for Derek. I hope he pauses to admire the view and keeps going. Just one more achievement in an incredible career.

People I look to: again, Hank Aaron, man you challenged the status quo and the records of the game. Monumental feats in an era where people didn't like that.