In baseball, democracy shines its clearest. The only race that matters is the race to the bag. The creed is the rule book. And color, merely something to distinguish one team's uniform from another's.

I deeply appreciate the people of Michigan. I love their grit. I love the way they face life. I love the family values they have.

I think God always has the best for us.

Needless to say, I have more no-hitters than Nolan Ryan.

In baseball, democracy shines its clearest. The only race that matters is the race to the bag. The creed is the rule book. And color, merely something to distinguish one team's uniform from another's.

But most of all, I'm a part of you people out there who have listened to me, because especially you people in Michigan, you Tiger fans, you've given me so much warmth, so much affection and so much love.

Whatever happens, I'm ready to face it.