When I went to home plate in a game-tied situation or with a chance to do something and help the ballclub win one, I'd try to make eye contact with the pitcher.
But I got a guy on third, I was in a jam the other day in a game, all those situations, when you need a strikeout there, in big spots. But we are very aware of that fact, that these guys put the ball in play.
If I've got a good pinch-hitter, I hate to have him stay on the bench with men on the bases in an early inning. He may end the game right there.
In my mind, the home run is paramount because it means instant runs.
At the Home Run Derby, you're expected to hit home runs. You're up there trying to hit home runs.
When I hit a home run I usually didn't care where it went. So long as it was a home run was all that mattered.
The triple is the most exciting play in baseball. Home runs win a lot of games, but I never understood why fans are so obsessed with them.
I loved to hit with men on base and with the game on the line.
If there's a runner on third with less than two outs, I clearly do not want to strike out.
You never want to have Yadier Molina up with the bases loaded in the World Series, but, dammit, you wouldn't want a better hitter up. Maybe that's not the way most people think, I don't know. That's how I think.
When I come into a game in the bottom of the ninth, bases loaded, no one out and a one-run lead ... it takes people off my mind.
I don't give a damn about any actors. What good will John Barrymore do you with the bases loaded and two down in a tight ball game. Either I get the money (more than Barrymore), or I don't play!
Your most precious possessions on offense are your twenty-seven outs.
As a kid, you put yourself in those positions. Bases loaded, two outs, you're at the plate. That's kind of the way I envision it as a kid playing whiffle ball or whatever the case was.
I wish I could go up every single time and have guys on base.
You always dream about your first homer and your 100th.
I loved coming up with players in scoring position and I had to drive them in.
If you're not in the game, you can't hit a home run.
