Eric Davis

Not being re-signed in Baltimore was probably the lowest point, mentally, of my career. That city was the only place where I wanted to be at the time, based on everything that had transpired. ”

The last two times I went to spring training, I had to win a job, and if I didn't get off to a blazing start, I'm on the bench. Now, I've proven myself, so it's not essential that I get off to a real good start. ”

My only goal is to play 162 games and help this team win. If I can do that, everything will take care of itself. ”

Most of the places I've been, I've been a main piece of the puzzle. ”

When you get back on the field and do things, any doubts you've developed leave. The more consistent you become, the fewer doubts you have. ”

Nothing I did contributed to me having cancer, so I can't sit back and say, 'Oh why me.' Why not me? Why does tragedy always have to hit someone else? ”

I'm no different than others with cancer. I just happen to play professional baseball. I'm part of those statistics that cancer has touched as well. ”

For me to become the highest paid player in the franchise, it was something I didn't anticipate. But I'm glad. I like playing for Cincinnati. ”

I was able to get operated on four days after I was diagnosed. It was just a matter of getting this baseball-sized tumor out of me. I reflect now on how lucky I was to be in the situation where I could get the best possible help and treatment. ”

People saw me as being heroic, but I was no more heroic than I was with other injuries I had, like the lacerated kidney I suffered during the 1990 World Series. It's just that people haven't known anyone with a lacerated kidney, but everyone can relate to someone with cancer. ”