“I feel my time in baseball has come and gone. I feel like I had a great career. I had a lot of fun and have a lot of great memories. At one point in time, I’ll be able to tell it all. Right now that’s in the past. I see things differently. I more want to help.”

Those boos really motivate me to make something happen.

Baseball is just my job.

I know when I’m off alignment. I know when my body is out of adjustment. If your body is there, then mentally, you’ll be there. If your body feels good, then your mind feels good and your are going to feel better about your game.

It’s a relief now to be able to stand next to my godfather and finally feel like I’ve accomplished something in the game of baseball.

I don’t know what you guys say, but at home, life is way different from baseball.

There’s not too many rich black people in this world.

I don’t ever remember having any bad times here in Pittsburgh.

I think of myself as ‘catching’ the ball with my bat and letting the pitcher supply the power.

I was a momma’s boy. I didn’t get anything from Dad, except my body and baseball knowledge. The only time I spent with him was at the ballpark.

My life is in shambles. It is crazy. It couldn’t get any crazier. I’m just trying to stay sane.

But to be the best, you must face the best. And to overcome your fear, you must deal with the best.

I don’t know what my future is.

Age is how you feel. If you take care of yourself, you’ll be able to do the same things. You may not do it as often. But you can still do it.

Young players need to know how to take care of themselves for life after baseball.

I don’t sign for white people.

When I was playing, it would be whatever role I wanted. Now it’s whatever they ask me to do, which I kind of like better.

I knew I was going to take the wrong train, so I left early.

I tell the kids, somebody’s gotta win, somebody’s gotta lose. Just don’t fight about it. Just try to get better.

Baseball players need strength but also the ability to make fast-paced, explosive movements, so their training is all about strengthening the tendons around the bone and the joint so you don’t tear the muscles from the bones.

He can run anytime he wants. I’m giving him the red light.

All pitchers are liars or crybabies.

Congratulations. I knew the record would stand until it was broken.

What difference does the uniform make? You don’t hit with it.

Losing is a learning experience. It teaches you humility. It teaches you to work harder. It’s also a powerful motivator.