A ballplayer has two reputations, one with the other players and one with the fans. The first is based on ability. The second the newspapers give him.
My favorite umpire is a dead one.
There was never a finer character - charitable and friendly to his foes and ever willing to help a youngster breaking in.
In my own case I have frequently faced the pitcher when I had no desire whatever to hit. I wanted to get a base on balls.
I am convinced that in my own career I could usually have hit 30 points higher if I had made a specialty of hitting.
