I don't want to be one of those great players who never made it to the (World) Series.

When you're a kid, you want to be a millionaire.

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.

I wanted to be a part of something special and contributing to the launch of a new league was very exciting to me.

People always ask me why I still want to play, but I want to know why no one will give me an opportunity. It's like they put a stamp on me: 'Hall of Fame. You're done. That's it.' It's a goddamn shame.

I'm a walking record.

I haven't had the time to say, 'I'm retiring.' But baseball says, 'You're retired.'