I came into the game when I broke into the major leagues, the minimum salary was seven thousand dollars, and I’d have to go home in the wintertime and get a job.

And then when I went to stay in ’68, I can honestly say that I was not focused on my career and on what it took to be a major league pitcher and to be a starting pitcher.

I always thought that there was going to be life after baseball, and so I designed that in my life I would have other interests after baseball that I would be able to step into. And I didn’t realize the grip that baseball had on me and on my family.

I cant think of anything more humiliating than losing a ballgame to a guy who steals home on you. It happened to me one time against Kansas City. I had a 2-2 count on the hitter – and Amos Otis broke from third. The pitch was a ball and slid in safe. I felt like a nickel.

Maintaining concentration depends on what I call tunnel vision; nothing else in the world exists but the catcher’s target, the hitter and my perfect delivery.

And that’s what makes this a great game, is the support and the commitment that the fans give the game.

I’ve got a different perception now and it’s really enjoyable to be at this point in your life and be able to watch this.

When I got traded to the California Angels, I really wasn’t that excited about going to the Angels because it meant changing leagues and also a whole new set of teammates. But shortly after I got there I realized that it was one of the best things that ever happened to me.

I can’t imagine Joe DiMaggio was a better all-around player than Dale Murphy.

Put the right pitching mechanics together with good health, and there’s nothing surprising about lasting a long time.