My journey as a player is complete.

I don't think I could have dreamt it up any better than how things went, of being at my peak at just the right time, and have everything go my way.

Certain guys, they can see a guy do a certain thing with their glove and know what pitch is coming. I couldn't do that. But I can get on first base and I can tell you by his move if that pitcher is going to first base or home plate every time.

I patterned myself after Reggie Jackson. I wanted to have that same swing and hit some homeruns. When I was down in A-ball, I was trying to be Reggie Jackson and I was striking out all the time. And I was like, 'This isn't the way Reggie is doing it, so I got to change.'

The only thing I wish I could figure out is how I got misunderstood regarding the type of person I really am and what I accomplished.

To all the kids out there: Follow your dream. Believe in your dream. Because dreams do come true.

When I was a little-leaguer, I was sort of famous for stealing bases - and it started only because my mom wanted to be sure where I was in the afternoons. Mom always used to say, "If you don't come home dirty, you didn't play a baseball game." So I always tried to get in a situation where I had to slide so that I could go home dirty.