“ My father taught me that the only way you can make good at anything is to practice, and then practice some more. ”

“ Some players you pat their butts, some players you kick their butts, some players you leave alone. ”

“ I've never looked forward to a birthday like I'm looking forward to my new daughter's birthday, because two days after that is when I can apply for reinstatement. ”

“ If somebody is gracious enough to give me a second chance, I won't need a third. ”

“ Back in 1960 at Christmas time, I did work loading and unloading boxcars for Railway Express. That was a kind of weight training that helped me. I weighed about 160 when I started. I began to gain weight and kept right on gaining until I reached 195 pounds. ”

“ There is an old saying that money can't buy happiness. If it could, I would buy myself four hits every game. ”

“ I still gamble, but it's all legal. I own horses, and I go to watch my horse. I don't go daily. ”

“ Willie Mays could throw better, and Hank Aaron could hit more home runs. But I've got enthusiasm. I've got desire. I've got hustle. Those are God-given talents, too. ”

“ It's a round ball and a round bat, and you got to hit it square. ”

“ I don't think there's any honor bigger than going to your Hall of Fame for your sport. ”