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You look at all the great players that they've had and the potential of playing in Yankee Stadium.

I loved the opportunity to play for the Yankees, too.

So to get to play for the Yankees was really exciting. Really exciting.

I love being a Yankee, and it's hard not to. It's a special place to play.

To pitch a perfect game wearing pinstripes at Yankee Stadium, it's unbelievable. Growing up a Yankee fan, to come out here and make history, it really is a dream come true.

I just wanted to go play in the big leagues. But possibly playing for the Yankees is very special.

Finally, for all of us but a lucky few, the dream of playing big-time baseball is relinquished so we can get on with grown-up things.

Yankee Stadium is a natural venue for another lesson: You won't succeed all the time. Even Ruth, Gehrig, and DiMaggio failed most of time when they stepped to the plate. Finding the right path in life, more often than not, involves some missteps.

I had the pleasure, as Robin said, to live a childhood dream as many young Americans and Puerto Rican children live that play youth baseball. And I feel honored and very thankful for that opportunity.

Going back down to the minors is the toughest thing to handle in baseball.