I think my career will be remembered for what it was and what it is, and I don't need more than that.

People will tell you that I overcame obstacles? Maybe. But the truth is I was incredibly blessed in my life. More was given than was ever taken away.

I worked very hard. I felt I could play the game. The only thing that could stop me was myself.

In the 8th inning you can't hear the roar of the 9th, all you can do to hold yourself together, and trust.

I could always throw the ball pretty well and I worked pretty hard at learning how to play the game. But I didn't consider it work as a kid, since I just loved playing baseball.

There are millions of people out there ignoring disabilities and accomplishing incredible feats. I learned you can learn to do things differently, but do them just as well. I've learned that it's not the disability that defines you, it's how you deal with the challenges the disability presents you with. And I've learned that we have an obligation to the abilities we DO have, not the disability.

Slowing it all down and analyzing our mental approach is a surprisingly effective way of becoming a better player.