Natalie Martinez Quotes

My father got me involved in the game when I was four years old.

For me, football always meant that we came together as a family and, in the summer we played football outside.

I grew up playing basketball and eating hot dogs on the corner.

My childhood in Adelaide was filled with sport. I played soccer from morning until night.

As a kid, when the neighbors were out playing street hockey or tackle football, my friends and I were in my basement with the NES/SNES.

Growing up in Bloomington, Minn., I loved the ritual of dressing for Little League - in white socks, blue stirrups, belted pants, a double-knit jersey, and the cap I'd hold over my face to screen out mosquitoes in right field.

I think, pretty much like everyone around my age, I grew up playing those classic video games. I wouldn't say I was addicted to them, but I definitely liked them.

I was acting when I was playing baseball.

My knowledge of video games ends with Nintendo 'Mario Bros.'

Baseball is only a game, a game of inches and a lot of luck. During a time of all-out war, sports are very insignificant.

Tennis was always there for me, which was lucky. I would go play baseball, basketball, football, hang with my brother, do whatever, and at the end of the day I'd come back and say, 'Hey, Mom, would you hit 15 minutes worth of balls with me?'

I had 10 to 12 close buddies who I played ball with all the way from elementary to high school. That is where I learned to compete.

Individual statistics, plate time and everything tend to come, but the most enjoyment I get out of baseball is actually winning.

One of the many things I like about baseball is how it combines individual talent and teamsmanship.

Only in baseball can a team player be a pure individualist first and a team player second, within the rules and spirit of the game.

I was in the postseason twice and I'm thankful for that.

I wish they'd shut the gates, and let us play ball with no press and no fans.

When I was super young, I had an Atari and used to play 'Space Invaders.' Then I fell in love with 'Mario Bros.,' 'Sonic the Hedgehog' and 'Yoshi' on Super Nintendo. I was quite a bit of a gamer as a kid when I think about it.

When I was young, it was fun being in the locker room and shagging balls in the outfield in spring training. But I couldn't keep my attention on the games for more than 30 minutes. I would sit there with my Game Boy the whole game.

One of the things I've learned is that baseball is something that happens over time.

There's nothing like Opening Day. There's nothing like the start of a new season. I started playing baseball when I was seven years old and quit playing when I was 40, so it's kind of in my blood.

My dad introduced me to baseball. Then one of my friends asked if I could play on a team; my dad said I could, and I just fell in love with the game.

I played for 18 years, but the only thing that meant anything to me was the World Series.

They throw the ball, I hit it. They hit the ball, I catch it.

I wish I could play little league now. I'd be way better than before.