I attribute much of my success in New York to my ability to understand and avoid unnecessary distractions.

For me, when I was a kid, volunteering was the last thing I was thinking about. When I see kids doing it now, it amazes me. It's very impressive, it gives them something productive to do as opposed to getting in trouble. For them to take time out at such a young age is remarkable. I think all kids should take a little time out to volunteer.

It doesn't take talent to work hard.

I always take criticism as a challenge. It's the way I've always looked at it.

Athletics keeps us healthy, gets us up and running around. It also gives you an opportunity to meet a lot of different people, which is very important.

One of the best things about being a Yankee is that you have guys like Whitey Ford, Phil Rizzuto, Ron Guidry and Reggie Jackson wandering around the locker room offering you advice.

The big difference for me is that, as I get older, I find it's a lot easier to stay in shape than it is to get back in shape.