Quotes from Yadier Molina

I love to be around baseball.

You're talking about defense and calling games and blocking balls, I'm going to be right there with anybody.

I've been happy to have been here since my first day, and I'm going to be happy to retire as a Cardinal because this organization means a lot to me and this city means a lot to me.

I think that, because of the way I catch, that I'm one of the best catchers to have ever played baseball.

All I've done is work hard to get better and better every single year to become the best catcher I can be.

Catching is a tough position.

The catching position is hard. You have to find a way to do a lot of things, to be in the game. When you get older, when you're 38 years old, you have to find a way to be on the field.

As a catcher, I know the pitcher is trying to get ahead in the count.

Managers don't play. We the players play.

For me, it's about finding ways. Obviously I'm not a great hitter, but I'm going to try and beat you anyway I can. I think about that in every aspect of the game. Running? I'm not the fastest runner, but I can steal a base. For me it's about taking advantage of what I can.

Of course a lot of the players in that clubhouse have respect for me and talk to me about everything. So with my experience, I certainly try to help them, to make things easier for everyone.

It's always good to get in contact, get involved with your teammates.

My main role is to help the team. And I love that role. And I love that my teammates feel comfortable coming to me.

My family taught me about that, about being the leader, being there for your teammates and caring about everything during the game, after the game, before the game.

Just care about your teammates, care about the game, try to be good each day. That's the way I do my part.

I take pride in everything I do.

Immediately after hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, I was extremely concerned about my family, friends and all the people in Puerto Rico. I felt helpless and could not concentrate not knowing if my family and loved ones were safe. I wanted to help my people as fast as I could.

I learn more from my coaches and I feel that I have continued to get better offensively. I'm like fine wine, the older, the better.

Winning the game is the single most important thing. If you go 0-for-4, but you catch a shutout or a one-run game, and your pitcher goes seven, eight innings, and the closer closes out the game, that's the ultimate satisfaction for a catcher. Much more than going 4-for-4 and losing.

I thank God for giving me help to play this game.

I am truly thankful for my health that has permitted me to obtain optimal results in my career.

It's always good to have someone help you out with good advice - especially when he's your brother and taught you how to play the game.

I have played in so many games and have had so many incredible moments that selecting one or remembering all of them is impossible.

That mentality that I have every year - that I have to prove myself to everyone that I'm a good player - that's the thing that keeps me going. That's my motivation.