When I was playing I never wished I was doing anything else. I think being a professional athlete is the finest thing a man can do.

Why do I have to be an example for your kid? You be an example for your own kid.

When I knocked a guy down, there was no second part to the story.

In a world filled with hate, prejudice, and protest, I find that I too am filled with hate, prejudice, and protest.

I could be a real jerk on the days I was pitching.

A great catch is like watching girls go by. The last one you see is always the prettiest.

When I gave up a grand slam to Pete LaCock, I knew it was time to quit.

Rules or no rules, pitchers are going to throw spitters. It's a matter of survival.

It is not something I earned or acquired or bought (the ability to pitch). It is a gift. It is something that was given to me - just like the color of my skin.

My pitching philosophy is simple. I believe in getting the ball over the plate and not walking a lot of men.

Fishing is one of the greatest things that you can do, it has the power to relax you like nothing else and there's nothing quite like the thrill of the catch.

You are ice and fire the touch of you burns my hands like snow.

Small can beat big, but you must have a plan.

I think that when somebody, when people really have a connection with each other, they change each other. You become a different person, hopefully a better person, because of it.

Within the oyster's shell uncouth The purest pearl may hide, Trust me you'll find a heart of truth Within that rough outside.

Man makes god in his own image.

Good swimmers at length are drowned.

I am selfish, private and easily bored. Will this be a problem?

A real man's weapon is his mind.

The really happy woman is the one who can enjoy the scenery when she has to take a detour. Happiness is not a state to arrive at, but rather a manner of traveling.

Robert Redford, ha ha! He's a very attractive man and I'm not. Or Noel Edmonds, as he's a friend of mine and knows me well.