To get the feel of how the slider should roll off of your index finger, use this grip and practice at half speed and roughly half the distance to the mound.

So what I did on the field was the essence of what I am. Remember me like that.

I trained myself to perform on the field.

(Mike) Schmitty provided what the relief pitchers need most, home runs and great defense. He's the best third baseman that I ever played with, and maybe of all-time. Obvious Hall of Famer, even then. He retired while on top of his game. I thought for sure he was going to hit 600 home runs.

Pete Rose came over to the Phillies in '79 and he became the catalyst that helped us to put it all together.

My major league debut came at old Busch Stadium on Grand Avenue in St. Louis, against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The first pitch I threw was to third baseman Bob Bailey. It was a fastball, low and away. He ripped it for a home run down the left field line. I said, 'Damn, that was a pretty good pitch.

To pick up the paper and read about yourself getting slammed, that doesn't start your day off right.