I have great memories of being a Cub, and I'm happy building new ones with the Phillies.
At my growing years of 18 to 21 years old in the Minor Leagues, I dreamed of being a Philadelphia Phillie.
I got into pro ball at 18 and played until I was almost 39, non-stop.
When did it - When did it become okay for someone to hit home runs and forget how to play the rest of the game?
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.
In my day, if a guy came to spring training 20 pounds heavier than what he left, he was considered out of shape and was probably in trouble.
I had too much respect for the game to leave it behind or to make it my second or third sport in college
I had to prepare physically every day, and I didn't leave many scraps for the writers
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.
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.
If you're in the minor leagues, you want to get to the majors.
