And then when I went to stay in '68, I can honestly say that I was not focused on my career and on what it took to be a major league pitcher and to be a starting pitcher.

What man in his 40s would not like to look in the mirror and find Nolan Ryan?

My ability to throw a baseball was a gift. It was a God-given gift. And I am truly appreciative of that gift.

And that's what makes this a great game, is the support and the commitment that the fans give the game.

A successful pitcher keeps the leadoff hitter from reaching first base and puts the first pitch over for a strike - the two most important rules of pitching.

I can't imagine Joe DiMaggio was a better all-around player than Dale Murphy.

Maintaining concentration depends on what I call tunnel vision; nothing else in the world exists but the catcher's target, the hitter and my perfect delivery.