I have five young children, and I take being a role model very seriously.

Every year it gets tougher and tougher. Mentally and physically. That's why you need to train and prepare.

I never take things for granted. I always look to help out me teammates, to win and be better.

I don't play for records.

I learned to play (baseball) on the streets in the Dominican Republic when I was 8 yrs old.

I don't know why people say I'm not supposed to be doing what I'm doing. I'm just trying to do my job. I'm blessed, and I'm glad that I'm blessed.

A lot of people said I could be a good player. I just wanted the opportunity to show it. I just let it happen.

I know I'm good when I'm hitting the ball the other way - that's Albert Pujols.

I hope by the time that I'm done in this game, I can have half the numbers Stan Musial had in his career.

I consider myself a line drive hitter with power. I just try to put my best swing on the ball every time.

I trust that I can hit a fastball, that I can hit any pitch they throw to me.

I don't want to be too stiff, because then my hands won't be as quick.

There is only one El Hombre and that is Stan Musial.

What motivates me more than money are God and my family.

I believe it is my responsibility to do what I can for children and people with Down syndrome as well as in my native Dominican Republic.

I play to represent God, something bigger than baseball.

Baseball is simply my platform to elevate Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior.

What I lose today I can't make up tomorrow. I have to do it today.

I don't think there's anything out there I can be afraid of.