Today I am the greatest of all time.

I don't think some of the players understand what the people are about. The people are coming out to show you their appreciation of the game, and the player that you are.

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.

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.

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.

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 love the game and I wanted to continue playing. It came to a time that I had to stop.