When I was up there at the plate, my purpose was to get on base anyway I could, whether by hitting or by getting hit.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
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.
When I hit, I felt I was in control of the home-plate area, and it was important that I felt that way. If I let the pitcher control it, it would give him an advantage.
Hitting is business. With two strikes you really protect that plate.
Joe Torre would tell you to make sure you can hit the ball on the outside part of the plate.
I could always hit. I learned to hit with a broomstick and a ball of tape and I could always get that bat on the ball.
In football, you're hitting, so you might as well hit in practice.
I found out early in life that I could hit a baseball farther than most players, and that's what I tried to do.
I don't try to hit home runs. I just try to meet the ball and get base hits.
Pitchers did me a favor when they knocked me down. It made me more determined. I wouldn't let that pitcher get me out. They say you can't hit if you're on your back, but I didn't hit on my back. I got up.
You have to step up to the plate, and then hit one out of the park.