What has been the most memorable moment of your baseball career And on the flip side, what was your most embarrassing moment?
Without a doubt, winning the World Series is my most memorable experience so far. My most embaressing moment was when I fell flat on my face last year in a road game with Minnesota. I was on third and there was a ground rule double, so I could've walked to homeplate and scored, but I turned to run and just fell. They played it over and over on the scoreboard.
Most of us think that playing baseball for a living sounds like a great life. What is it really like?
It's a dream come true because this is what I always wanted to do.
How do you keep yourself "up" for six months?
I love competition, love playing for Yankees, and I love NY so it's not an issue.The New York Press is known for being tough, however thay have not "beat up" too bad on you.
How have you handled your dealings with them? Do you limit your interviews?
You have to take the good with the bad. Some players only talk to the press when they are doing good. When you're doing bad you shouldn't shy away from them and when doing good, don't run up to them.
What is your favorite field to play in, on the road? Why?
Camden yards and Jacob's field. They are new stadiums, the fields are in good condition and the fans are great.
What were the highlights of your off season?
First, I went to Latin America - Venezuela, Panama, and Dominican Republic. It's a place I've always wanted to visit and Fila arranged an appearance tour. Second, I bought a house in Tampa.
What are your expectations for the Yankees this year?
We want to get back to the World Series and win it again.
Where is your World Series Ring? (Do you wear it or is it stored for safe keeping?)
When I first got it, I wore it all the time, but now it's stored in my house. I don't wear it because I'm afraid I'll lose it.
Have you been doing any special training (workout programs & exercises) in the off season?
I've been lifting since the beginning of October with our strength and conditioning coach at the Yankees minor league park in Tampa. We've also been doing agility and endurance drills.
The recent acquisition of Chuck Knoblauch has prompted some people to say that the Yankees will now have one of the best middle infields in baseball, with you at shortstop and Chuck at second base. How do you feel about that?
I'm very excited to have the opportunity to play with Chuck because he is definitely one of the best second baseman in baseball. I think we'll be a good combination. As far as being one of the best middle infields, we'll just have to wait and see.
Fila has chosen you as one of its first baseball athletes. Why did you choose Fila over other footwear companies?
I think Fila is like a family. You get special attention because they are not signing every athlete on the planet. Also, they are starting to build up in their baseball category.
Tell us about your new Fila shoe. Did you have input into the design of the shoe? How does it feel to have a shoe named after you?
It's overwhelming. Growing up you see other athletes like Michael Jordan, with their own shoe and you might even wear a signature shoe. It's not something you are expecting to happen to you.
Tell us about the Turn 2 Foundation. When was it established? What/Who does it benefit? Is there an annual event?
I was a big Dave Winfield fan when I was younger and he had a charity foundation. I told my Dad, if and when I make it, I wanted to start my own foundation. In 1996 I formed the Turn 2 Foundation which focuses on prevention of drug and alcohol abuse. We want to give kids alternatives in life.
You've been living in New York for a few years now. What are your favorite places to hang out? And Restaurants?
Favorite Restaurants: Divinos & Elios. Places to hang out: Motown Cafe, All-star cafe and places like that.
Who were your role models when you were growing up?
Dave Winfield, Barry Larkin, Cal Ripken and my parents.
What qualities do you like best (and least) about yourself?
I think I'm a pretty nice guy. I'm very honest. But I think I'm too shy sometimes.
If your house was on fire, what possession would you save first?
My World Series Ring
