Now you really watch to see what guys are made of. Here's the toughest part about it: All those guys bust their butts. They try their butts off. I'm not bailing on these guys. If I see them quit, we'll have a different kind of talk.

There was a perception of me, and I earned it because I was really intense, really gruff. I treated certain people poorly at times. It was because of who I was. It was almost my strength. I came in all business. I tried to find ways to fit in with that demeanor, but it's not easy.

Schools used to fund-raise for luxuries, like a trip to the water slides. Now, we fund-raise for things we have to have.

I got to experience a world championship with some great teammates.

I grew up with Ernie Harwell. Jack Buck is, like Ernie, an icon. Of course in 1988, when he made the call, it was a special attachment that lasted a lifetime. Let's say it was well said. I couldn't believe what I just saw, either.

I guess I had some butterflies, if that's what you want to call it.