“If you want to be on top, you’ve got to have broad shoulders, because as fast as you get there, the faster they try to knock you down.”

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 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.

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.

It’s called talent. I just have it. I can’t explain it. You either have it or you don’t.

Everyone in society should be a role model, not only for their own self-respect, but for respect from others.