Right now, we're pretty pathetic offensively. |
Sure, there's wear and tear on the body, that's to be expected, but my knees are good. Got all my cartilages. And as a catcher, I've been blessed with that. |
Talent-wise, ... it's just a matter of getting everyone on the same page. |
That's pretty much the one thing that I'm chasing now as my career (winds down). |
That's pretty much the one thing that I'm chasing now. I've had great personal success in this game. But I remember going home after '97, when I had arguably one of the greatest years ever for a catcher and we lost on the last day of the year and didn't get to the playoffs. I remember what an empty feeling that was. |
The biggest thing for me is to try to promote the game in Europe a little more. |
The biggest thing for me is to try to promote the game in Europe a little more. I love Europe. I love the history. I love the food. The worst thing that can happen is the game becomes more popular in Italy. |
The core of where I've been and what I'm all about is from New York. |
The doctor said that there is really nothing more you can do, ... It's just stiff, sore, swollen. That's the bottom line. |
The first at-bat was kind of the key for me. I took some tough pitches and then put a short stroke on it. That set the tone. |
The response was unbelievable, ... I really didn't expect it. It just kind of took on a life of its own. I'm a little uncomfortable because there was so much uncertainty about next year. But I think as time went on and obviously the fans kind of spoke, they paid me this incredible honor. I really didn't expect it. I can honestly say I'm honored, flattered, surprised and all those things. It's an amazing day for me. |
There's been no setbacks, ... I'm right where I should be. |
They got a few insurance runs and they caught the ball. |
They let you know what they think. Some years ago a guy came up to me on the street and said, 'Why don't you stand closer to the plate?' I did it and it worked. Maybe I should have done it today. |
They're making it hard. It's good. I'm excited. I'm happy they feel that way. It's nice to know you're wanted. |