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I've been hearing this since I first joined the Reds organization, that I'm going to be the next this or that. It's tough on a young player coming up. You show some positive things and everybody jumps on that and says you should be the next Willie Mays.
Not being re-signed in Baltimore was probably the lowest point, mentally, of my career. That city was the only place where I wanted to be at the time, based on everything that had transpired.
Nothing I did contributed to me having cancer, so I can't sit back and say, 'Oh why me.' Why not me? Why does tragedy always have to hit someone else?
That's just my family's mentality. We are a very loving, hugging and kissing kind of family. And we grew up in a church atmosphere and still have that atmosphere. There is no negativity.
I don't think any player lives up to his potential, because people out there put you so high on a pedestal, you'll never be as good as they expect.
I don't listen to what people say about me and I don't read what they write about me. People can compare me to anyone they want to, but I'm not going to worry about it.
I'll have a stamp on me forever. There will always be questions. I brought new fans to the Orioles' organization, and that's good.
Everyone would like to play in their hometown, but right now I like Cincinnati, I like the way it's going. I'm happy.
I'm no different than others with cancer. I just happen to play professional baseball. I'm part of those statistics that cancer has touched as well.
My only goal is to play 162 games and help this team win. If I can do that, everything will take care of itself.
Never give up and don't ask why because every situation does not need an answer. I'm a firm believer that I don't worry about anything I can't control.
Life is too short to worry about anything. You had better enjoy it because the next day promises nothing.
I'm having a good time. I'm going to treat every game and every day as if they are my last because I now know that they could be.
People spend time worrying about things they think they have to have and lose perception of what they do have. You can have all the money and material things you want. If you aren't here to enjoy them, what good do they do?
It takes a lot of energy to be negative. You have to work at it. But smiling is painless. I'd rather spend my energy smiling.
I will be a role model for cancer patients for the rest of my life. But you know what? When I was getting chemo, those people inspired me.
When you get back on the field and do things, any doubts you've developed leave. The more consistent you become, the fewer doubts you have.