I was on the golf course and I had some good friends with me. It was a great time. We had just completed the round, and at 12:08, to be precise, Jack O’Connell called, and that’s when I found out. (1)
I called my father right away and my kids, and 18 days later my father passed away. At least he knew I was in.
My father was 84 1/2 and he died of old age. His heart just gave out on him.
I couldn’t ask for a better father. I’m just very grateful I had him as long as I did, because I lost my mother at a very early age. She died of leukemia.
Mickey Mantle, my father and my brother. My older brother was a great example for me, a great role model.
I played with Pete, and as far as I’m concerned he’s already in the Hall of Fame. I don’t think my vote’s going to make a difference.
The fact his timing was very poor coming out with his book at the time the announcement occurred this year for Molitor and Eckersley, so I think there’s quite a few older Hall-of-Famers who are quite upset.
I played with him and I think he represented the game quite well, but what he did was wrong. If you vote for Pete, then you should vote for Shoeless Joe Jackson.
President Bush Sr. has been a great friend. I’ve gone on a goodwill ambassador tour with him to Honduras. I was just recently at his 80th birthday in Houston. He came to my Hall of Fame induction ceremonies–the first president to ever come to an induction ceremony.
There’s no other place to play when you’re winning. (2) When you’re losing, you’d better find cover.
What flashes in my mind are the dramatic comebacks that we had and that we were able to come through the way we did in Game 6 and then Game 7. (3) To me, just to have played in one World Series and then win it in the manner in which we did was a great thrill.
In Montreal, they were very receptive to me. The fact I was able to play there as long as I did, I tried to learn some French, took a Berlitz course, got involved in the community, and they loved that. They embraced me because of that.
I think the fans of Chicago were some of the better fans throughout baseball.
I didn’t realize it was that big of a rivalry until I came to the Mets. I guess it all came back to when the Mets won in ’69.
I think they’ve all turned out very well. (4) I give a lot of credit to my wife for that.
When I’m with my family, certainly with my wife, I don’t like to be disturbed. But autographs are a part of the game and you try to be as receptive as you can.
Be kind to others.
Great player, great teammate. (5) Played the game hard. As far as I’m concerned, he’s a Hall-of-Famer.
My last hit was off of Mike Morgan, a double over Andre Dawson’s head at Olympic Stadium in front of a Fan Appreciation crowd and we won that game 1-0 on my double.
I had announced my retirement, and Felipe Alou said, “You will catch that game.” In the seventh inning, in my last at-bat, I got the opportunity. Felipe Alou was going to pull me out of the game. He said, “Go on up there. Whatever happens, happens, but this is your last at-bat.” It turned out to be a game-winner in front of that fan appreciation crowd. Nice way to finish.
(1): He was voted into the Hall of Fame.
(2): New York.
(3): In the 1986 World Series.
(4): His three children.
(5): Andre Dawson.
