When I was younger, I was always taught not to make excuses.

Surround yourself with good people. People who are going to be honest with you and look out for your best interests.

Sneak out when things go good. It bothers me when people have good games and stand in front of their locker waiting for the media, then they have bad games and sneak out the back.

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's never over. You don't want to be in the position to be down four runs in the ninth inning, but it's not over until the last out.

Sportswriters are what make sports great and fun to watch.

I looked up to my parents because they were very successful in what they wanted to do. I was lucky; I didn't have to look far for role models.