Quotes from Mariano Rivera

You can't second-guess baseball. You can't second-guess yourself.

I don't wait for people to give me respect. I always give them respect.

I don't want to pitch forever.

I listen to Christian music.

I have nothing to ask for, thanks to God. Everything I have, God has given me.

I don't have control over everything; God has control over everything and I trust him, so I don't worry.

God is good for everybody. The sun shines on good people and bad people, and it rains on both, too. God doesn't choose rain only for bad people.

I think God gave talent to different people in different areas.

Ever since I was a little kid, I was competitive.

If you don't control your emotions, your emotions will control your acts, and that's not good.

My father was strict and always taught me, no matter who it is, everybody is an uncle. To me, everybody was someone I respect like family. I grew up with that.

I don't think any professional accepts defeat.

Fishing is a hard job. Fishing at night. Rain. Day, night. You have to be wise and smart. And quick.

I like a calm life where nobody bothers me.

You're just trying to throw the best pitch you can and make sure you hit your spots. I don't have to force nobody.

Every time before I throw my first pitch, I am praying. And not only that, in the bullpen I am praying.

If I have to win one game, I'd have a hard time taking anybody over Dustin Pedroia as my second baseman.

I don't just think regular season. I think playoffs. World Series. That's how I think.

I demand my kids be respectful, responsible and grateful. And they have to love the Lord with all their hearts.

I miss everything that makes up Panama. I don't have a preference. I love my country.

I'm telling you, God loves a lot of people.

I don't feel invincible because I'm human.

Don't worry about what the people say; be yourself, say what you want to say WITH respect.

I'm not used to seeing the ball go wherever she wants. As a pitcher, I like to be - I don't want to say perfect, but I want to know what the ball is going to do.