I consciously memorized the speed at which every pitcher in the league threw his fastball, curve, and slider; then, I'd pick up the speed of the ball in the first thirty feet of its flight and knew how it would move once it had crossed the plate.

Always wanted to be a Major League player. Loved baseball. Followed it. Loved to play. Plus, I could always hit.

The one unbreakable rule about hitting is this: if a batter hits well with his own particular stance and swing, think twice - or more - before suggesting a change.

I learned to hit with a broomstick and a ball of tape and I could always get that bat on the ball.

Back in my day, we didn't think about money as much. We enjoyed playing the game. We loved baseball. I didn't think about anybody else but the Cardinals.

The key to hitting for high average is to relax, concentrate, and don't hit the fly ball to center field.

Get eight hours of sleep regularly. Keep your weight down, run a mile a day.