THOSE WACKY CUBS FANS “A fan came down and hit one of our guys [Chad Kreuter] in the back of the head. Literally punched him in the back of the head when he wasn’t looking. And he took his hat. That’s how the whole thing started.” — Todd Hundley, Dodgers catcher “I was worried. I’m…
RICKEY SAGA… “I don’t anticipate releasing Rickey Henderson. I think what I’d say to him is don’t get caught up in all the nonsense.” — Steve Phillips, Mets GM “I don’t worry about it.” — Rickey Henderson, outfielder “It’s not acceptable, hitting a ball 400 feet and then pulling that [*%$!].” — Bobby Valentine, Mets…
LOSING WAYS “I come to the ballpark every day thinking we’re going to win. I don’t know what to say or how I feel. It’s hard. We’re here to win and we’re not doing a very good job of it.” — Terry Francona, Phillies manager “When you have a tough losing streak, I don’t know…
HOME OPENERS “I don’t think I’ve ever had an opening day with snow. It was fun.” — Shane Andrews, Cubs infielder “A guy hits three homers to initiate the park. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that. That’s a lot of home runs in one day. Maybe we ought to look for somebody that’s been…
OPENING DAY, TAKE TWO “I think today was huge. It’s a really big deal for me.” — Gabe Kapler, Rangers outfielder, on hitting a pair of home runs “It’s not a sign. It’s just the first game. We’ve got a lot of games left.” — Tony Muser, Royals manager, on losing a late lead and…
OPENING AT THE BIG EGG “A loss is always disappointing, however they come. I wish I could’ve performed a little better.” — Mike Hampton, Mets pitcher, on walking 9 in game 1 “I’m glad he was here today, that’s for sure. Benny’s a big boy, and baseball’s a game that’s not always fair.” — Bobby…
TRADES “I figured that they would release me before they would trade me. It’s going to be tough leaving Texas, because it’s the only place I have ever really stayed.” — Lee Stevens, new Expos infielder “My bat is my meal ticket. I don’t foresee any problems as a DH, but I always thought my…
SPRING TRAINING “It was beautiful to get that first hit in a Pirate uniform. It feels good to play that first game. You don’t really feel like you’re part of the team until you play in a game.” — Wil Cordero, Pirates outfielder “I like challenges. Pudge [Rodriguez] is one of the players I like…
ROCKER’S REDUCED PUNISHMENT “I disagree with the decision. It does not reflect any understanding or sensitivity to the important social responsibility that baseball … has to the public. It completely ignores the sensibilities of those groups of people maligned by Mr. Rocker and disregards the player’s position as a role model for children.” — Bud…
STRAWBERRY “I’m going to stand by him. I’m going to try to see that he rights his life. If it’s in baseball fine, if it’s outside baseball fine. It isn’t like George has given him enough chances, now dump him. Dump him… I don’t think so.” — George Steinbrenner, Yankees owner “That’s the question we’re…
GRIFFEY TRADE “In these times when big markets and big money seem to steal the stars, it speaks so much of Ken’s character that he has chosen instead to come back to where he belongs.” — Carl Lindner, Reds owner “I wouldn’t know our new players if they walked in the room, but I think…
YET MORE ROCKER “I wouldn’t sit in the same room with him. I wouldn’t sit with someone who’s a racist. He says he’s not a racist, but he makes racist comments.” — Derek Jeter, Yankees infielder “Obviously, this is a big problem for our team. He’s put the whole team in a situation where not…
MORE ROCKER “You hit one home run in the big leagues, it doesn’t make you a home-run hitter. To make one comment like this doesn’t make you a racist.” — John Rocker, Braves pitcher “He has no relationships with the black guys or the Latin guys on the team. He’s lying to try and cover…
TRADES “Fernando [Vina] is the type of player we have been seeking for some time. He’s a proven leadoff hitter who runs well, plays solid defense, and will serve as a catalyst for our offense.” — Walt Jocketty, Cardinals GM “San Diego is where I would love to play. And I think Bret [Boone] and…
TRADES “If I pitch the way I should pitch, I’m a groundball pitcher and those don’t go over the fence. If I don’t pitch well, it doesn’t matter what park I’m pitching in.” — Scott Karl, pitcher, on being traded to the Rockies “I know there will be expectations put upon me because Vinny [Castilla]…
UMPIRES FORM NEW UNION “Today is a statement by all umpires that it’s time for a change. We want a union that is run by umpires and advised by attorneys.” — John Hirschbeck, umpire “The other union won. I’m upset.” — Jerry Crawford, former union president SIGNINGS AND HIRINGS “We walked away from more money…