“You don't protect Mark McGwire. The only way to protect him is hit 70 homers you…” — Eric Davis

Circulating through the children's ward and seeing terminally ill kids, heads shaved, smiling and having a ball despite the tubes and needles sticking into them, I thought: What do I have to worry about? If God takes me, at least I've lived for 35 years.

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.

I'm not head-strong, and I'm not egotistical. I understand certain things better now. I won't be trying to be play everyday. There's only one Cal Ripken, one Lou Gehrig and one Joe DiMaggio. What is good for them isn't necessarily good for Eric Davis.

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.