The baselines belongs to the runner, and whenever I was running the bases, I always slid hard. I wanted infielders to have that instant's hesitation about coming across the bag at second or about standing in there awaiting a throw to make a tag. There are only 27 outs in a ballgame, and it was my job to save one for my team every time I possibly could.

Listen, I was the first black manager in baseball and there was incredible pressure. I don't blame anyone else. I was too tough . . . I lack patience. I probably got on guys a little too hard, with the wrong tone of voice.

Whether you're trying to excel in athletics or in any other field, always practice. Look, listen, learn - and practice, practice, practice. There is no substitute for work, no shortcut to the top.

If the guys on the bench were as good as the guys you have out there, they'd be out there in first place.

I always tried to do the best. I knew I couldn't always be the best, but I tried to be.

Close don't count in baseball. Close only counts in horseshoes and grenades.

It's nice to come into a town and be referred to as the manager of the Cleveland Indians instead of as the first black manager.