If you want to know who was better, me or Willie Mays, you have to look at our career stats. And Willie's bottom line was better.

Sometimes I sit in my den at home and read stories about myself. Kids used to save whole scrapbooks on me. They get tired of them and mail them to me. I'll go in there and read them, and you know what? They might as well be about (Stan) Musial and (Joe) DiMaggio, it's like reading about somebody else.

If I were playing today I'd do what Joe DiMaggio said. I'd go knock on the door at Yankee Stadium and when George Steinbrenner answered I'd say, 'Howdy, pardner.'

In 1960 when Pittsburgh beat us in the World Series, we outscored them 55-27. It was the only time I think the better team lost. I was so disappointed I cried on the plane ride home.

I don't know why Roger (Maris) isn't in the hall of fame. To me, he was as good as there ever was.

At my best I was as good as anyone.

The only thing I can do is play baseball. I have to play ball. It's the only thing I know.