I think sometimes Hall of Famers might get labeled as guys who aren't suited for a coaching job or to be back at the Major League level.
I was a baseball player at North Central High School in Spokane, Washington even though I was all-city in basketball, even when I signed a letter of intent to play quarterback at Washington State.
It didn't happen, but I feel fortunate for the two chances we had and it's just a shame we didn't go to a World Series for Cub fans.
I do my homework. I come to the ballpark, and I relay any message that I need to relay to the players. I get that off my chest.
There is a lot to managing, and with almost four years under my belt, I believe I'm ready.
There were a lot of players who worked just as hard as I did, and if you didn't, you didn't stay in the big leagues.
It's an elite group. And once you're in the Hall, you're in the Hall. Up until now, I think the voting system has handled things very well. And like I said before, there are no suspicions in the Hall of Fame.
There was Shawon Dunston and Mark Grace, and together we were a double play combination for ten years.
If a hitter gets hot, I wouldn't take a hot hitter out of the lineup.
At my growing years of 18 to 21 years old in the Minor Leagues, I dreamed of being a Philadelphia Phillie.
I never forgot the four years I spent with the Phillies, my September call-ups and my big league Spring Trainings. I never forgot that.
I'm not thinking about records. Just winning the pennant would be exciting.
I was taught coming up in the Phillies organization to be seen and not heard by people like Pete Rose, my hero growing up, and players like Mike Schmidt and Steve Carlton and Manny Trillo.
My Hall of Fame speech was about respect for the game.
I know I'm appreciated by how fans treat me, and the best way to treat them is play every day, hard. I sign autographs, but if I'm with someone I don't know who doesn't start the conversation, there won't be a conversation. That's just me, living my life. But I'll loosen up after baseball.
I didn't play the game right because I saw a reward at the end of the tunnel.
You never forget the feeling of not getting to the World Series. Yes, it sticks with you.
I was taught you never, ever disrespect your opponent or your teammates or your organization or your manager and never, ever your uniform.
I let the players use their abilities and what they're capable of doing. If they're capable of stealing bases, I'm going to give them the green light. I'm going to teach them to pick their spots and to get a base when they can get a base.
I don't expect any red carpet to the big leagues. If the opportunity comes, then it comes. But I don't think I'm owed anything.
