I know the Hall of Fame is the more sought-after thing. But I'm getting a bigger charge out of my uniform number being put away. Everything I worked hard for and wished for came true.

Al Kaline bought a tee and a ball and swung at it all winter. Look where it got him: the Hall of Fame.

I remember one game when I pitched in Yankee Stadium and gave up five runs in the first inning. It would have been easy to quit, but I shut 'em out the rest of the way, and we came back and won the game.

What more can you ask for than to see a ballgame in spring?

I think what hurt me all along was the label of 'war-time pitcher.' I've always resented that.

Never give up, and never give in.