Willie Stargell's Quotes

I'm always amazed when a pitcher becomes angry at a hitter for hitting a home run off him. When I strike out, I don't get angry at the pitcher, I get angry at myself. I would think that if a pitcher threw up a home run ball, he should be angry at himself.

There's nothing I value more than the closeness of friends and family, a smile as I pass someone on the street.

People like us are afraid to leave ball. What else is there to do? When baseball has been your whole life, you can't think about a future without it, so you hang on as long as you can.

I'm a God-fearing man who worships with my heart and with my life.

I never search for a reason why - I have faith in the Lord's purpose.

Baseball for me was instinctive, born within me, given to me as a gift from God.

Life is one big transition.

I eventually became proud of my strikeouts, because each one represented another learning experience.

I love September, especially when we're in it.

Love soothes wounds, while hatred and violence deepen them.

The bat is gone, but the smile remains.

To me, baseball has always been a reflection of life. Like life, it adjusts. It survives everything.

Unfortunately, inner feelings and potential are often stunted by our parents, relatives or peers.

Vietnam helped me realize who the true heroes really are in this world. It's not the home-run hitters.

When we make a mistake, it becomes front-page news. We don't need any reporter telling us how badly we played.

A World Series trophy is a wonderful thing to behold.

Helping someone is what life is all about.

Human beings are pampered by the Lord. Their real tests don't come until later in life.

I always said that when it was time to retire, I would know it, and I would just tip my hat to the crowds.

I don't really feel that I deserve all my applause.

I flailed my arm in a throwing motion before I could even walk.

I found myself in a race with Mother Nature to play as much baseball as I could before she forced me to stop.

I gave out stars whenever an appropriate situation presented itself.

I loved to hit with men on base and with the game on the line.

I never did allow anything to keep me from my kids. They're the most important part of my life.

I owe a large part of my success to Joe Brown, who helped me both as a player and a person.