When I was a kid, watching All-Star week on TV, the Home Run Derby was a highlight for me.
At the Home Run Derby, you're expected to hit home runs. You're up there trying to hit home runs.
I was in the American League for 16, 17 years, and I think it's a really tough league to compete in.
I'm anxious to face them (major league pitchers) all, but in reality I'm looking forward most to (Boston's) Pedro Martinez. He was with the major league team that came to Japan in 1996, just before he became a superstar. I'm anxious to see how much he's improved. And I'm anxious to see how much I've improved against him.
Few names have left a firmer imprint upon the pages of the history of American times than has that of Ty Cobb... he seems to have understood that in the competition of baseball, just as in war, defensive strategy never has produced ultimate victory.
Arizona was the best place. I like the competition in baseball, and the football program has been great for the past five years. I think I'll be playing as a freshman in both sports, and I think I can play with them.
Tell you the truth, the night before, I don't sleep. It's exciting to be in postseason, you fight one-hitter 62 games, you make it.
My favorite event each year is the Yankees-Red Sox series. Love seeing passions run hot among the fans, especially when both teams are in the running for the playoffs.
