Hitting is the most important part of the game. It is where the big money is, where much of the status is, and the fan interest.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
If you're going to win games, you're going to have to come up with the big hits. That's the bottom line.
I think anytime that you can eliminate the big hit, it's obviously not only going to be good for your team, but it's going to be good for yourself.
I love sharing my knowledge of hitting with others. Now coaches and players at all levels can learn my systematic approach to hitting a baseball with more consistency, mental strength and accuracy.
A lot of hitters stay away from the plate, some are close up, some are forward, some are back. The thing about hitting is this: You have to know the strike zone. That's the most important thing. Hit strikes and put the bat on the ball.
I look at this as a second life. Every game feels like an event. Every pitch matters. I need that. It elevates your aggressiveness.
My point of view is that when I am playing cricket I cannot think that this game is less or more important.
It's not in baseball's interest or the players' interest to be taking this stance. It's the people's game.
Place hitting is, in a sense, glorified bunting. I only take a half swing at the ball, and the weight of the bat rather than my swing is what drives it.
The pitch is the most beautiful part of the game; it gives you emotions which bring meaning to life.
Major league baseball is about the history of the game. Baseball history is so important. It's so much more than money.