They Said It

Charles Goren, after winning Life Masters Pairs championships for the second time in 16 years with Mrs. Helen Sobel, explaining why their partnership has survived almost two decades: "There has never been any romance between us."

Birdie Tebbetts, four days before he resigned as manager of the Cincinnati Redlegs: "That's one thing [quitting] you never do in this business.... Pride keeps you from quitting, and pride resists getting fired."

Rafer Johnson, holder of the world decathlon record, asked if he might become a professional basketball player: "I want to be a dentist. However, I also would like to see how good a basketball player I can be."

Bill Mazeroski, second baseman for the rising Pittsburgh Pirates, on why his wedding date, scheduled for October U, was hastily rescheduled for October 11: "That's right after the World Series."