Losing dad (Bobby Bonds) was the worst thing in the world.
I was a momma's boy. I didn't get anything from Dad, except my body and baseball knowledge. The only time I spent with him was at the ballpark.
My life is in shambles. It is crazy. It couldn't get any crazier. I'm just trying to stay sane.
It's a relief now to be able to stand next to my godfather and finally feel like I've accomplished something in the game of baseball.
Baseball is just my job.
Every pitcher can beat you, it doesn't matter how good you are.
When I was playing, it would be whatever role I wanted. Now it's whatever they ask me to do, which I kind of like better.
I don't know if the record is going to happen. I don't really think about the record. There are other things I worry about.
It's not the name that makes the player. It's the player.
I never stop looking for things to try and make myself better.
I think some of the pressure comes from the expectations of other people. Like if your father played baseball, they expect you to be the big lifesaver or something when you play a sport.
Everyone in society should be a role model, not only for their own self-respect, but for respect from others.
I don't want to be a Major League coach.
There is nothing better than walking out and hitting a home run.
I don't know what my future is.
I like to be against the odds.
There's not too many rich black people in this world.
I was born to hit a baseball. I can hit a baseball.
I know when I'm off alignment. I know when my body is out of adjustment. If your body is there, then mentally, you'll be there. If your body feels good, then your mind feels good and your are going to feel better about your game.
When I finish playing, I think I'd like to coach college baseball.
I'm clean, I've always been clean. But it never ends. It seems like every reporter from last season to this season has reported and opened up a new can of (expletive). And I haven't even been to spring training. At least let me get to spring training and (expletive) up before you crucify me.
I have a chef who makes sure that I'm getting the right amounts of carbs, proteins and fats throughout the day to keep me at my max performance level.
My career is an open book, but my life is not.
But to be the best, you must face the best. And to overcome your fear, you must deal with the best.
I think of myself as 'catching' the ball with my bat and letting the pitcher supply the power.
If you want to be on top, you've got to have broad shoulders, because as fast as you get there, the faster they try to knock you down.
I could learn how to press 'Record' on a tape recorder and write for a newspaper or a magazine.
Sometimes I surprise my own damn self.
I've always played for the acceptance of my godfather (Willie Mays) and father (Bobby Bonds).
I'm a very private person. My life story isn't for everybody.
I don't know what you guys say, but at home, life is way different from baseball.
I don't know if steroids are going to help you in baseball. I just don't believe it. I don't believe steroids can help eye-hand coordination and technically hit a baseball.
I feel my time in baseball has come and gone. I feel like I had a great career. I had a lot of fun and have a lot of great memories. At one point in time, I'll be able to tell it all. Right now that's in the past. I see things differently. I more want to help.
I think everyone needs to be a role model, period.
I'm not afraid to be lonely at the top.
It's called talent. I just have it. I can't explain it. You either have it or you don't.
Age is how you feel. If you take care of yourself, you'll be able to do the same things. You may not do it as often. But you can still do it.
I'm clean, I've always been clean.
I don't ever remember having any bad times here in Pittsburgh.
I like to be against the odds. I'm not afraid to be lonely at the top. With me, it's just the satisfaction of the game. Just performance.
Young players need to know how to take care of themselves for life after baseball.
I'd like to help educate kids about the Major Leagues - what to anticipate, what to expect, what they'll need to do to prepare themselves.
I don't sign for white people.
Serra High school, to me, was my most enjoyable time for me in my entire life. That was the only time I was free. We just played baseball because it was fun.
Those boos really motivate me to make something happen.
As an athlete, you only have so much time. The window only has so much time and then it closes. You have to take care of yourself the best you can.
