Oakland is home, and you always want to go home. Anytime you get the chance, you're happy to go home.

My dream was to play football for the Oakland Raiders. But my mother thought I would get hurt playing football, so she chose baseball for me. I guess moms do know best.

When I was growing up, my favorite player was Reggie Jackson - and I never got the opportunity to get an autograph from Reggie. I was so frustrated. I mean, he was my idol. And I couldn't get no autograph. I would go through punishment waiting on him (after games) because he was always the last guy to come out. And I would go back home with no autograph.

Nothing's impossible for Rickey. You don't have enough fingers and toes to count out Rickey.

My impact on the game was going out there and making things happen.

Let's see, for breakfast Rickey will have bacon and eggs, and grits if I can get 'em.

My journey as a player is complete.