Most pitchers think that they need fork and curve balls when they are 12 years old, when really, they should concentrate on throwing a fast ball. Some kids mature a little earlier than others but the fewer breaking balls a pitcher can throw early in his career will add to his longevity. Remember, because I threw such a hard slider, I was out of the major leagues by 32. It's the way baseball is played. Years ago, the philosophy of the hitters, such as Willie Mays, was not to charge the mound, but to hurt the pitcher on the other team by stealing second and third or hitting a home run the next time he came to the plate.
Vengeance is a dish best served cold.
Lou and I are best friends. I have already interviewed him a couple of times for ESPN radio and television over the two years that I've worked here. Just because we had a disagreement doesn't mean that we don't love and respect each other. Lou is a great guy off the field with a wonderful family that I love dearly. He helped the Reds win a World Championship and when someone has a very similar personality, like we do, sometimes you disagree.