I am so happy and proud to learn of Hideo Nomo's election to the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame. He was quite a pitcher and competitor, but he is also a very special and caring person.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
Sammy Sosa? Everybody knew who Sammy was, paid attention to Sammy. I had already signed in pro ball when he had the great homer year with Mark McGwire in '98. But I followed it, and I was proud of him because he was my countryman. There are a lot of great ballplayers from the Dominican, and he's one of the best.
I don't need to speak about N'Golo; everyone knows about him. He's everywhere. I think, sometimes when I'm on the pitch, I see him twice. One on the left, one on the right. I think I'm playing with twins!
Whether you like it or not, the last few years I'd be the first one to tell you I haven't been the Pedro Martinez that I'm used to being.
Growing up, I was a big Red Sox fan and looked up to guys like Dustin Pedroia, who's obviously not the biggest guy, but the way he competes, the way he works, it was motivating for me.
I'm happy to be with this organization, and I hope to retire as a Yankee.
My baseball career was a long, long initiation into a single secret: At the heart of all things is love.
Everyone has someone they looked up to. Mine was Mickey Mantle. For Alex Rodriguez to idolize me coming up, that makes me feel very good.
What I miss when I'm away is the pride in baseball. Especially the pride of being on a team that wins.
Roger Clemens is one of the most wonderful men I've ever known. I loved him very much... still love him to this day. He treated me like a princess.
Anyone who votes for McGowan is 100 percent right. He was a great umpire. He belongs in the Hall of Fame.