Leo certainly knew his pitching -- don't get me wrong. But McDowell can relate because he played.

I didn't think I was going to get [tourney MVP]. Tracy got 25. I think we played hard. We knew Hayfield would come out hard because we beat them twice [during the season].

I knew something was very wrong as I played in the JELD-WEN Tradition and the Wal-Mart First Tee Open at Pebble Beach these past two weeks. My play was very poor, and my knee was killing me. I knew I had no other choice than to have surgery on my knee immediately.

My sophomore year I didn't really have a position. Whoever was pitching, I played their position.

Not the way he was pitching. Everyone knew he'd come back and pitch well. I'm just happy he's OK.

I finally did it. I'm real happy. I knew he was retiring and I always told him I would bring him a state championship home.. I feel real good and it makes me feel good that he feels good about it too. He can retire happy now.