Quotes from Eddy Alvarez

I didn't know if pro ball was in the plans for me. I didn't know it was going to happen right away.

If I wanted to be a professional baseball player at some point, I knew I would have to do the jump ASAP because unfortunately age is a huge factor.

I was always so excited for the team event in speedskating. And I think that had to do a lot with growing up playing baseball and the amount of friendships and bonds that I created.

Once I retired from skating, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would have the chance to come back to the Olympics.

When you're so close to winning and you have to stand on the podium and listen to someone else's anthem, it leaves just a little bit of that bittersweet feeling.

We're pieces of the puzzle. If I fit in a certain algorithm, then it'll be time for me to go. It's tough as a baseball player, it really is, not knowing much, but you just have to play.

Just to be able to say that I'm from Miami, Florida, in the Winter Olympics was an honor, and I'm proud to be able to say that I'm playing on the U.S. national team for baseball from Miami as a Cuban-American.

I definitely see my progression moving at a rapid pace.

My grandparents and my parents came over from Cuba with nothing to their name just for a chance of freedom and opportunity.

I kept going. The decisions I've had to make, the setbacks, the feeling of having my back against the wall, I was determined that I had the grit.

I was just cruising around the streets of South Beach and got scouted. Two ladies stopped my parents and said, 'This kid needs to try the sport of inline speed skating,' so I did and I remember falling in love with it and the thrill of racing.

I was 2 years old and already swinging bats and throwing balls.

I can remember stepping out of the car with my skates already tied, smelling the ocean breeze.

I am completely prepared to let the tiger out of its cage in Sochi and see what happens.

I went from Arizona to all over Florida just doing workouts in front of scouts. I promised myself that I was going to sign with whatever team called me first.

Short track is like metal rock. You kind of always got to be on your toes.

I am grateful for my time with U.S. Speedskating and U.S.A. Baseball, as well as for all of my teammates, and I am humbled to lead Team U.S.A. into the Tokyo Olympic Games.

I'm ready to turn some heads and have no regrets.

I'm just so honored I got the chance to represent our country. I was always willing to put in the work, the sacrifice, to do so.

Being a first-generation Cuban American, my story represents the American Dream.

When athletes disrespect the flag and say things about their country that's not prideful, it really hurts me because of the situation that I've had to see my family go through.

It's an honor to bring back a silver to the United States.

I've been on skates since age 5.

Baseball is my true passion. Skating was more of a short-term goal.