I was a baseball player at North Central High School in Spokane, Washington even though I was all-city in basketball, even when I signed a letter of intent to play quarterback at Washington State.

If this validates anything, it's that learning how to bunt and hit-and-run and turning two is more important than knowing where to find the little red light on the dugout camera.

My mom was at every single game I played as a kid, rain or shine

The fourth major league game I ever saw in person, I was in uniform

I never forgot the four years I spent with the Phillies, my September call-ups and my big league Spring Trainings. I never forgot that.

I don't expect any red carpet to the big leagues. If the opportunity comes, then it comes. But I don't think I'm owed anything.

No player in baseball history worked harder, suffered more, or did it better than Andre Dawson. Hes the best Ive ever seen.