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.

I had no trouble communicating, the player's just didn't like what I had to say.

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

Be anything you want to be, but don't be dull.

No. 1, these guys out here on this field. They keep my energy level up. They try hard, they don't complain about things - and I'd just like to be with them when things are good, and hopefully we can win a pennant together.

At least when it's in French, I won't know what the heck they're saying.

You have to have a short memory as a closer.