I'm proud of everything that I've accomplished since I was a little boy. That was my dream - to be a ballplayer. I didn't dream to win so many Gold Gloves, or Silver Bats or play in All-Star Games or World Series. I was just dreaming to play the game.

I had an opportunity to play in the World Series and actually play in a game and get meaningful at-bats. To be in that situation . . . it didn't sink in until I got home and sat down.

Every year the World Series should go seven games for the dramatics of it.

Each one has its own gimmick. You see all the new bats during the College World Series and that's the new line for the following (prep) season. You've got the top of the line all the way down to the ones that supposedly aren't as good. What's the difference? Price? Nobody seems to know the answers. The companies say there are differences, but I don't think I see the ball going any farther or coming off the bat any faster.

You don't just accidentally show up in the World Series.

We've got to win a championship and bring a World Series trophy back to Chicago.