A lot of people wanted me to play college football, but I wanted to get started playing pro baseball.

I had some tough times. Now that I look back on it, I'm very grateful for those times. I know now that I needed them. But at the time you think, 'Man, I wish I could just get to the major leagues!'

You have to look past the cool things and play the game. That's why you're here, to play the game.

I try to work hard. I try to set a good example. I don't look at it as though I've got to be a leader. I just try to behave the way I think I should behave. If that results in a leadership role, great.

I'm just enjoying playing baseball in the major leagues.

We had a lot of adversity, but we found a way.

A lot of people wanted me to play college football, but I wanted to get started playing pro baseball.