Baseball players sometimes say things that are as timeless as the national pastime itself. I’d like to share BBRT’s top ten favorite baseball quotes – and invite readers to share their favorites in the comments section.
“There is always some kid (in stands) who might be seeing me for the first or last time. I owe him my best.”
Joe Dimaggio … a touch of class from a classy ballplayer and individual.
“I’d walk through hell in a gasoline suit to pay baseball.”
Pete Rose … unbridled passion for the game.
“You spend your whole life gripping a baseball and, in the end, it turns out it was the other way around all the time.”
Jim Bouton … more passion for our pastime.
“I have discovered in twenty years of moving around a ball park, that the knowledge of the game is usually in inverse proportion to the price of the seats. “
Bill Veeck … real fans are found in the cheap seats, with scorecards in their laps.
“It actually giggles at you as it goes by.”
Rick Monday, on Phil Niekro’s knuckleball … best description ever of the futility of facing the “floater.”
“If I had to hit all those singles like Pete, I’d wear a dress.”
Mickey Mantle, about Pete Rose … Home run hitters do drive Cadillacs.
“I’m throwing as hard as I ever did, but the ball is just not getting there as fast.”
Lefty Gomez … AARPsters (like me) should love this one.
“The best thing about baseball is you can do something about yesterday tomorrow.”
Manny Trillo … the blessing of a “long season.”
“Baseball players are smarter than football players. How many time to you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field?”
Jim Bouton … thanks, Jim, for putting my football-loving friends in their place.
“Baseball statistics are like a girl in a bikini. They show a lot, but not everything.”
Toby Harrah … and still stat-geeks would prefer the box score to the bathing suit.
Honorable mention … for its unique nature.
“Ooh. I just made a touchdown.”
Doc Ellis on successfully covering first base for an out in his LSD-fueled no-hitter.
Honorable Mention
Non-Player / Manager quote
“If a woman has to choose between catching a fly ball and saving an infant’s life, she will choose to save the infant’s life without even considering if there is a man on base.”
Dave Barry, comedian / author
Actually, my favorite baseball quote of all time … said or written often and by many … is as straightforward as can be. The four most anticipated words in the English language:
“Pitchers and catchers report.”
Have some favorite quotes? Share them in the comments section.
