“I looked up to my parents because they were very successful in what they wanted to do. I was lucky; I didn’t have to look far for role models.”

I will never brag about myself, but my family, I can go on forever.

I play in New York, man. Criticism is part of the game. You take criticism as a challenge.

My dad had been shortstop when he was in college, and you know, when you’re a kid, you want to be just like your dad.

I want to own a team one day. You know, that’s my next goal.

I like to dance and sing when there’s no one around, but, if I’m out, I’m really shy about it. So it takes a lot to get me going, but I enjoy being around music.

There may be people who have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do – and I believe that.

That’s how you win – pitching and defense.

I think everyone is ticklish. You just gotta find the right spots.

I think it comes easy to work hard. I was always taught, don’t short-change yourself. Keep working to get better.

I like to hit the gym early in the morning. I feel better throughout the day when I get in a workout first thing in the morning.

When it was time for parent-teacher conferences, I remember that I was always embarrassed about what my parents would hear about me!

Your image isn’t your character. Character is what you are as a person.

I can see how people work out to feel better.

So many people are insanely busy nowadays, and it’s easy to say, ‘Ah, I’ll workout tomorrow.’ But you have to set aside a time and stick to that schedule.

I get nervous watching teammates. I get nervous for them. Late in the game, pressure situation, I’m nervous for them.

Everyone fears rejection.