I had a dream. And I made that dream come true.

Personally, I don't like the term 'success.' It's too arbitrary and too relative a thing. It's usually someone else's definition, not yours.

When people get placed upon a pedestal - when they start chasing after that person on the pedestal - they become mannequin-like.

The more that Japanese players go to the big leagues to play and succeed, the more that will serve to inspire young kids in Japan to want to become baseball players when they grow up.

I'm anxious to face them (major league pitchers) all, but in reality I'm looking forward most to (Boston's) Pedro Martinez. He was with the major league team that came to Japan in 1996, just before he became a superstar. I'm anxious to see how much he's improved. And I'm anxious to see how much I've improved against him.

When you mail Ichiro something from the States, you only have to use that name on the address and he gets it (in Japan). He's that big.

As professionals we have a responsibility of providing a good show for the fans. Getting hits and home runs is what they want to see.