“He never asked for respect. He went out and worked and earned that respect.”
—Columnist and broadcaster Peter Gammons

“He’s an emotional player who likes to play for something. Every team has a guy who refuses to lose, a big-time player who pushes and pulls the rest of the team.”
—Former teammate Richie Sexson

“He’s got that 'aw gee, aw shucks' air about him. Jim is Huck Finn personified, and he really likes to play baseball.”
—Former Indians GM John Hart

"The only thing the kid ever wanted to do was play baseball. He used to have a hard time getting kids to spend as much time on the field as he wanted to. Rain or shine, he'd take a bucket of rubber baseballs and hit them for hours."
—Jim's father Chuck

“I can’t think of anyone who could have had this impact. Ichiro wouldn't have been embraced like this guy. It's almost like they feel he's a Philadelphian.”
—Phillies asst. GM Ruben Amaro Jr.

“This guy could end up in the Hall of Fame someday.”
—Announcer Ken Harrelson