When I step into the batter's box, the fans, the noise, the cheers, they all disappear. For that moment, the world is just a battle between me and the pitcher. And more than anything, I want to win.

The guilty are allowed, by human laws, bloody as they are, to speak in their own defence before they are condemned.

My candle was nearly burnt out, when, by the glimmer of the half-extinguished light, I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature open.

Even the eternal skies weep, I thought; is there any shame then, that mortal man should spend himself in tears?

I saw and heard of none like me. Was I then a monster, a blot upon the earth, from which all men fled, and whom all men disowned?

Accursed creator! Why did you form a monster so hideous that even you turned from me in disgust?

My heart was fashioned to be susceptible of love and sympathy, and when wrenched by misery to vice and hatred, it did not endure the violence of the change without torture such as you cannot even imagine.