I always had the attitude that I wanted to throw a no-hitter every game.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
You never know when you're going to throw a no-hitter or if you're ever going to get the chance to do it. It's one of those deals where the ninth inning comes around; it's either going to be your night or just a complete game.
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've been in eleven no-hitters you know.
Hitters never showed me up, as hard as I threw. And I was pretty mean out on the mound.
I became a good pitcher when I stopped trying to make them miss the ball and started trying to make them hit it.
My pitching philosophy is simple - keep the ball way from the bat.
I knew that the Mets had never had a no-hitter. I never had one. This is very special. I knew this means a lot to New York.
I was kind of a slap hitter, trying to get base hits, hit line drives, stay below a certain trajectory with my ball.
It must be nice for today's hitters when you don't have to worry about being thrown at. It's a whole different deal. When I played, getting knocked down was an accepted part of the game.
That no-hitter stuff was a long time ago; I don't think that has anything to do with it. I'm just going through a tough time.