I'm a terrible singer. I feel lucky to play baseball. You can't be gifted in everything.
I want to be known as Dominican-that's what I am, 100 percent ... I have a duty and responsibility to continue the legacy of Dominicans in baseball.
Why do people sing Take Me Out to The Ballgame when they're already there?
With what has occurred in my life, the baseball field is where I feel most comfortable. That's what I feel I was born to do and it's what I do best.
I truly believe my job starts the minute I leave the baseball field. Going out and catching ground balls and hitting, that's a job, and that's what I've wanted to do ever since I was a kid. But when you think about leaving that field, that's when the job and the demands really start. In New York, Seattle, every city. The community, the media, business stuff. You have to stay on a narrow path.
I've never felt overmatched on the baseball field. I've always been a very strong, dominant position. And I felt that if I did my work as I've done since I was, you know, a rookie back in Seattle, I didn't have a problem competing at any level. So, no.
Baseball has a funny way to tap you on the shoulder when you least expect it and tells you it's the end.
You always dream about being on a baseball card. It's kind of funny when you finally see it.
It is hard to ignore that is reality. But, at the same time, it still comes down to sound baseball decisions, farm systems and then execution on the field by the players. There are a lot of components to that (other) than just saying it is the highest salary.
