Tommy Lasorda

You can wake up every day and make today better than the last.

One time I was doing a speech to a group of kids, and just before I get there, I see this little kid crying. I found out they just lost a game, and he was the losing pitcher. I went over there, put my arm around him, and said, 'What are you crying for? When major league players lose, they don't cry.'

When I was interviewed after I got hired to replace Walter Alston, a future Hall of Famer, I was asked: 'Don't you feel pressure on you?' I said: 'Want to know something? I'm worried about the guy who's going to have to replace me.'

I've got a portrait in the Smithsonian. Who ever thought that would happen?

They could never beat me in Springfield. I loved that old ballpark. If I could have pitched there all my career, I'd be a 300-game winner.

When I was 15 years old, I used to actually dream I was pitching in Yankee Stadium. Bill Dickey was my catcher.

Grownups have to say 'please,' too.

Everybody wants to win, but everybody doesn't win.

I didn't even graduate from high school. I've never told anybody that before. I got my degree later, when I was in the army.

My goal is to live to be 100.

My son wasn't gay. No way.

I firmly believe that there is a God. I firmly believe that there is a Heaven. And I firmly believe that if you go there, it's gonna be great.

I'm telling you, I don't like cheaters.

I've had heroes in my life - Joe DiMaggio, Babe Ruth.

Chan Ho had a great career and was the exemplification of class, dignity and character.

Sometimes you've just got to let an umpire know that you're not satisfied with his decision. That they've missed the play in your opinion. Not that it's going to do you any good, but you've got to let them know.

I've always called L.A. 'the world capital of sport.'

I am so happy and proud to learn of Hideo Nomo's election to the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame. He was quite a pitcher and competitor, but he is also a very special and caring person.

Sports has kept me on the straight and narrow path.

I bleed Dodger blue!