The way I figured it, I was even with baseball and baseball with me. The game had done much for me, and I had done much for it.

At the beginning of the World Series of 1947, I experienced a completely new emotion when the National Anthem was played. This time, I thought, it is being played for me, as much as for anyone else.

The most luxurious possession, the richest treasure anybody has, is his personal dignity.

If I had to choose between baseball’s Hall of Fame and first class citizenship for all of my people. I would say first-class citizenship.

I am not concerned with being liked or disliked. I am concerned with being respected

I guess you'd call me an independent, since I've never identified myself with one party or another in politics. I always decide my vote by taking as careful a look as I can at the actual candidates and issues themselves, no matter what the party label.

The right of every American to first-class citizenship is the most important issue of our time.