"I've been to four-five home openers of the New York Yankees and nothing compares to this. I've been in Boulder 13 years waiting, and God almighty, two home run--the first run ever scored was a home run--nothing could be greater."--Tom Savoth of Boulder, Colo., after the home opener of the Colorado Rockies.

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"Couldn't ask for more. It was a tremendous rush, one that I will remember for a long time.

"Yeah, there was a lot of nervousness. I had butterflies. All day, I was kind of fidgety. But when I walked out on the field, the fans started cheering. The size, the intensity, I got a kick out of the New York fans, the way they were jumping around."--Jim Abbott after pitching the Yankees home opener.

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"I will hurt you. I will show you the Bronx."--Bobby Bonilla, in a heated exchange with New York Daily News sports writer Bob Klapisch.

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"I would hate to think that we're doing anything different because Mr. Steinbrenner is back. But, Mr. Steinbrenner has a way of putting a little extra hop in everybody's step."--New York Yankees manager Buck Showalter.

***

"I didn't come here to learn how the manage. I came here to win. I know I sound confident, and I am. And I want that to rub off on our players."--Kevin Kennedy, Texas Rangers manager, whose team opened the season 6-2 despite having several players on the disabled list.

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"I heard they score a lot more runs in the American League. But this is ridiculous."--Lou Piniella, Seattle manager, after a 10-9 victory over Toronto in 10 innings.

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"I'd have to manage 10 more years to match him, when you think about it. I've said it for years and years, he's the best."--Tony LaRussa, Oakland manager, on Sparky Anderson's 2,000th win.

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