It's the fans that need spring training. You gotta get 'em interested. Wake 'em up and let 'em know that their season is coming, the good times are gonna roll.

It's hard for a shortstop to play with a guy you don't know in the middle of the season. If you know a guy early in spring training, you're working with them.

It all comes down to when spring training comes. Do you want to go or don't you? If you want to go, you go.

I've always approached spring training as I have something to prove.

The last two times I went to spring training, I had to win a job, and if I didn't get off to a blazing start, I'm on the bench. Now, I've proven myself, so it's not essential that I get off to a real good start.

Mickey Mantle was a very good golfer, but we weren't allowed to play golf during the season; only at spring training.