"The right of every American to play in the major leagues is no longer a question. It is a fact."

"Baseball is like a poker game. Nobody wants to quit when he's losing; nobody wants to quit when he's ahead."

"I'd be willing to trade all my fame and the home run record for one more chance to step up to bat in the major leagues."

"I don't think I'm a hero. I'm just a man who did what had to be done."

"There's not an American in this country free until every one of us is free."