MLB WORLD SERIES: PADRES v YANKEES

October 17, 1998

Andy Ashby

ANDY ASHBY: One of the main things is staying healthy. It's been a struggle the past few years. But I think it's made me a stronger person. Being healthy and also Dave Stewart just going to the middle part of the game and not thinking about the seventh inning when you're starting the game. It's taking it pitch by pitch, out by out, minimize your mistakes and not pitch yourself in the beginning. I think that's been a big plus for what we've done this year.

ANDY ASHBY: I mean they're a great ballclub. I think the main thing, like I said earlier, is just minimize your mistakes and try and control your emotions the first few innings where you're not walking guys and pitching yourself in the beginning. But if you keep -- you know, the top three guys off base, you have a pretty good chance. If you give up a solo homerun, it's a lot better than giving up a two or three-run home run. Minimize your mistakes, take it pitch by pitch. Go out there and give your club a chance to win.

ANDY ASHBY: Stu's been a big part of it. Ever since spring training we've gone over the mental part of the game and trying to stay focused on one thing instead of trying to look at the big picture. And not trying to hurry yourself to get it over with, just, you know, think about it through every pitch. And, you know, if you have bases loaded, no outs, think about getting a ground ball or a popup or something, instead of trying to stay okay, I have to strike three guys out to get out of the inning without no runs. That's a big part of what Stu has brought to not only myself but everyone else on the staff.

ANDY ASHBY: A little bit. I know it's been a battle for him to get here, but I think it goes to show how much desire that he has to play Major League Baseball and what it means to him and not only him, but to everyone that puts this uniform on. It's something that you thank God for every day, and I mean everyone out there on that field is blessed with a talent, and what he went through and, you know, where he's at today, I'm sure he looks back and it's probably an amazing story. But this is what you play the game for, to get to this situation. I think we all have to, you know, check ourselves and look at ourself in the mirror and thank God every day for the seasons that we've had and the opportunity we have right now to be playing in the World Series.

ANDY ASHBY: You know, Yankee Stadium is something special with all the history, you go back and look at the monuments, see the type of players, you look back on the things that have happened in the stadium. It's very special. But, you know, Wrigley Field is, you know, also has a lot of history I think. The stadium isn't quite as nice as this and the fans aren't really as rowdy as probably these guys get, but it's going to be fun. You're in the World Series, I don't think we really care where we're playing. It makes it a little more special knowing you're going to pitch in Yankee Stadium.

ANDY ASHBY: Quite a bit. I know yesterday I kind of picked his mind a little bit, asked him about certain hitters. I had faced Paul O'Neill when he was with Cincinnati and played with Joe Girardi. There's a couple guys I have an idea of. Sterling Hitchcock played here, I kind of picked his mind. Jim Leyritz. We have some guys that have been around, see in lineup. Dave Stewart, he hasn't been out of the game that long, he's pitched against the Yankees quite a while. There's a lot of opportunity to ask guys and get some ideas on what I want to do tomorrow. Plus watching Kevin work tonight and see how he approaches hitters is going to be a big plus for me.