I feel I'm functioning at some level as a journalist because even though I write fiction, I'm trying to get the world accurate.

What is important is not what you hear said, it's what you observe.

I'm not 'Mr. No-By-The-Book.' I just want to make sure the character is by the book.

I don't think anyone will believe me, but I've never been pressured by a publisher to churn out a book.

The characters I write about are very internal.

There is nothing like the start of a season, before all the one-run losses, pitching breakdowns and missed opportunities. Before reality sets in.

I've been able to write at least one book a year for 20 years, and I don't think I would've had that kind of drive if I hadn't come out of the journalism business.