Playing the game was the easy part. The real work was in the preparation.

I'm a terrible singer. I feel lucky to play baseball. You can't be gifted in everything.

Enjoy your sweat because hard work doesn't guarantee success, but without it you don't have a chance.

Always follow your dreams, don't let anyone tell you that you can't be something.

Be respectful. Treat people the way you want to be treated. Respect the lowest rank and the highest rank and you'll never get in trouble.

Fear of failure is what fuels me, keeps me on edge and sharp. I'm not as good when I'm comfortable.

I believe a champion wins in his mind first, then plays the game, not the other way around.

I want to be known as Dominican-that's what I am, 100 percent ... I have a duty and responsibility to continue the legacy of Dominicans in baseball.

There is a difference between image and reputation. Image is nice. Reputation is developed over an entire career. Reputation is what I'm searching for.

You can have fun, respect the game and also play it hard. When you have that combination, you're going to put yourself in a position to be successful.

Some things are meant to be and if it was, you will know it.

Creativity & innovation is to events, what the heart & soul is to the living

I do throw out a lot of ideas, and I forget completely about them.

Every wish Is like a prayer--with God.

The reason I emphasize that is because that is exactly what happened when Mussolini was put in by the king of Italy.

I don't think I have ever worked in my life, because work to me means that you are really doing something that you don't like.

Yes, my mother's death is a terrible sorrow to me. I feel - do you know what I mean - the silence of it so. She was more alive than anyone I have ever known.

The audience should feel they are hearing the future, that is arriving just on time.

Hear me declare with boldness, I am a Christian.

O Lord, you know what is best for me. Let this or that be done, as you please. Give what you will, how much you will, and when you will.

Nothing is right and nothing is just; We sow in ashes and reap in dust.