I lived the baseball life as a kid, with my dad in it. And I lived the baseball life as an adult, because I was in it. When I retired, I wanted the opportunity to be a little bit more flexible and home-based for my kids.

You learn as a player not to listen to the criticism. Many of the people who put out that criticism might not be as accomplished, might not understand the game as well from the inside-out.

I think Nick Markakis is a perennial All-Star, and nobody knows about him. I think people are learning about how good he is.

Cal Ripken, Jr. Quotes