I am very proud to be an American. This country has so much potential, I'd just like to see things better, or whatever, and I think it will be.

Failure is part of success.

I have always felt that although someone may defeat me, and I strike out in a ball game, the pitcher on the particular day was the best player. But I know when I see him again, I'm going to be ready for his curve ball. Failure is a part of success.

I never smile when I have a bat in my hands. That's when you've got to be serious. When I get out on the field, nothing's a joke to me. I don't feel like I should walk around with a smile on my face.

I am very proud to be an American. This country has so much potential, I'd just like to see things better, or whatever, and I think it will be.

In baseball, there is something electrifying about the big leagues. I had read so much about Stan Musial, Ted Williams and Jackie Robinson. I had put those guys on a pedestal. They were something special. I really thought they put their pants on different, rather than one leg at a time.

Didn't come up here to read. Came up here to hit.