A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes. It is a catalyst and it sparks extraordinary results.
Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad, and that's why I call you dad, because you are so special to me. You taught my the game and you taught me how to play it right.
Elmira was the first time that I decided to come see the Hall of Fame in 1976, and who would have ever thought as an 18 years old kid my first year in pro ball that one day my plaque would be hanging in Cooperstown.
Humbled by the fact that never in a million years would I ever thought that I would be on the same stage with all these great Hall of Famers and enshrined to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
I didn't get over 1300 walks without knowing the strike zone.
I had a fantastic hitting coach in Walt Hriniak. I believe he's here today. Biggest motivator I ever had. He was able to get the most out of me each and every day.
I have a message for the young kids. Life is about obstacles, endeavors in life are not to be overlooked.
I made that choice in 1976 and it was off to Elmira where my professional journey started with Dick Berardino, one of the toughest managers I ever played for. I grew up a lot that year.
I played the game one way. I gave it everything I had. It doesn't take any ability to hustle.
I remember that June night in '76 when I got drafted by the Boston Red Sox and George Digby, a visionary, one of the greatest scouts because he believed in me, a little scrawny, skinny kid from Tampa, Florida.
In closing, I want to say one special thing. I am living proof that dreams come true.
In life, so many things are taken for granted, but one thing I can honestly say is that I took every day, enjoyed the game of putting on that uniform and playing the great game of baseball.
John McNamara in 1986 took us to the World Series. He's a great friend and he helped me so much through a tough time.
Looking back on those days and little leaguer, the Hall of Fame is not even a blinking star, but through baseball travels and moving up the ladder, that star begins to flicker.
Moving up the ladder from Winston-Salem to Pawtucket. In 1982, finally making it to the big leagues. The one dream that every little leaguer shares is making it to the big leagues.
My God... What are the headlines going to be like on Monday if the Yankees don't make the playoffs?
My journey took a surprising turn in 1992. I left Boston and who would have ever thought I would wind up with the New York Yankees?
One guy that I wish was here right now, Ted Williams, helped me so much, our long talks, not about hitting but about fishing, one of Ted's passions, and I wish he was here today to share this with me because I owe so much to Ted Williams.
Our lives are not determined by what happens to us but how we react to what happens, not by what life brings us but the attitude we bring to life.
The owner of the New York Yankees, Mr. George Steinbrenner who I had the greatest respect for, I want to thank him for giving me the opportunity to win that special ring in 1996.
Then there's Johnny Pesky, hit me countless number of ground balls and improved my fielding so much.
This journey started about 42 years ago in a little town of Brunswick, Georgia.
This is my job and I respect it enough to concentrate on it.
You can share a link to this page with your friend!