I start thinking about life after death. I've got to quit thinking about it because it's very deep. Very deep. Sometimes you start thinking about it, and you don't feel like you want to be alive, so I don't like to get all quiet.

I'm just trying to work hard every day, trying to be a better player and one day, to be right there with them, one of those special hitters.

Sometimes when you're fighting, fighting, fighting, the mind needs some time off and you regroup and get back to normal.

I just love the feeling from the fans and when I'm walking on deck I can hear people screaming and wishing you the best. That puts you into the game more than anything.

This is our f---g city. And nobody is going to dictate our freedom.

I don't try to hit the ball 500 feet. It looks good when you hit it 500 feet, but as long as it goes over the fence, it's a home run. When you swing hard, it takes a little bit of recognition away from you. The power you're trying to increase - you're not all the way through it with your vision.

I know in my situation, my mind works more than everything else. I've been like that my whole career.