I used to soak my mitts in a bucket of water for about two days. Then I'd put a couple of baseballs in the pocket and wrap it up with a rubber band. Today you don't have to do that, because catchers' mitts are more like first baseman's gloves.
Where would I be without baseball? Who am I without baseball?
Any teammate of mine that had a kid and a boy that was capable of playing baseball, I think I set a terrific example of 'Don't do this' and 'Don't do that.' And that's one of the things that I'm most proud of.
We were on for six years. We were in syndication for a while. It had its run. I still see the people from 'Mr. Belvedere,' too. We stay in touch.
I think my top salary was maybe in 1966. I made $17,000 and 11 of that came from selling other players' equipment.
I set records that will never be equaled. In fact, I hope 90% of them don't even get printed.
