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.

I expect that [trying to do the best] of my players today and of my kids. My wife says I shouldn't expect that of my children, but I don't think that's asking too much.

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.

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

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.

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

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