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I came up under the wing of Larry Bowa, and one thing I did not do was ever take a day off from taking pregame groundballs or batting practice. Then the games were just having fun.

I had 12 years under my belt of baseball at the amateur level before I got to the big leagues.

The Cubs gave me a chance to play. They signed me as a free agent and brought me to the Major Leagues. The first day I walked into Wrigley Field was one of the best days of my life. And I owe them an awful lot.

I was lucky in my early years to play for a Karnataka team that was trying to forge itself into a strong side, and they were years of fun and learning. In the Indian team, I was fortunate to be part of a wonderful era when India played some of its finest cricket at home and abroad.

Until spring training in 1946, the only time I pitched was in 1945 in the GI World Series.

I wasn't ever good enough to be on the baseball team and that sort of stuff.

It was in 1942 and I flew from St. Louis to Mexico City. I had just gotten married and we were on our honeymoon. I hit .397 and led the Mexican League with 20 home runs and was named the MVP of the league. It's when I realized I could compete with anyone at any level.

I was a keen sportsman, and became school captain in soccer and cricket.

I was always active - I went from baseball to football. I didn't have time to work out.