Mostly, I'm going to thank people. I still can't figure how this happened (getting elected to the Hall of Fame). So much happened that I just can't explain it. I have to thank people. Without so many of them, no way am I here today. There is just no way.

        2. So, you're going to stick to the script?

        (Laughs). I didn't say that! But I don't want to walk off (the podium) and forget to thank somebody. There's a lot of people to thank, that's for sure. I want them to know what they meant to me.

        3. As you look back on your career, what do you think?

        I'm more afraid looking back on my career now than I was when I started managing 35 years ago. Truthfully. I didn't know all the things that have gone wrong. Geez, if I'd have known it then, they'd have had to carry me away. I couldn't have handled it.

        4. How good of a player were you?

        I was a good Triple-A player. But oh how I loved to play. I couldn't get enough of it. But some guys improve when they get to the big leagues, even though you might not see that in them when they're in the minor leagues. I played against Bill Mazeroski in the Dominican Republic in 1956 (both were second baseman), but I never felt then, “Wow!” But the next time I saw him, he'd gone beyond the next level all the way to the level beyond that. I didn't have that. But something happened for me to be here (the Hall of Fame). It's amazing.

        5. So what did you really say to George Scherger when you called him from Cincinnati on Oct. 9, 1969, when you asked him to be your bench coach in your first season managing the Reds?

        I said, “Georgie, c'mon with me.” I saw these guys play last year, and we're going to win it (the division) by 10 games. It's going to be a cakewalk.” Can you imagine me thinking that? I must've been nuts. I didn't know everything that could have gone wrong. We won by 14 games.”

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