Aspiring Pro Athlete Mugs

"I'm guessing you want to be a pro athlete when you grow up."

'They were hoping to gradually introduce him to the pro game, but injuries left them no choice.'

"I wanted to be a baseball player 'til I found out they send you to the showers."

Exercising

'We're looking for athletic people.'

Currently Boston

'And when your mother said that you would never be an Olympic gymnast, how did that make you feel?'

'Anything is possible in our great country, son. If an Afro-American can become president, a white man can become a pro basketball player.'

"Because when you're drafted by the pros, you'll have to be able to sign your contract. That's why you have to attend first grade."

The Amateur Golfer

'Hey guys?. . . Help us think what Dale could do for his '15 minutes of fame.''

"Why so aloof in here? When you're on base, you yak your ass off with every Yankee in sight."

A backup plan might be a good idea, in case 'being a celebrity' doesn't work out...

'The owner plays in the NBA.'

'He'll be a great basketball player someday -- he already dribbles all over the place.

'He'll be a great basketball player someday -- he already dribbles all over the place.

"Did Yogi Berra ever say anything besides 'It ain't over till it's over'?"

'It's great that you want a career in football, Timothy, but don't you think being a striker would be more fun than being a goalpost.'

Charlie's medical advice always went in one ear and out the other.

'When you talk about playing, 'at the next level', you mean lawyering, right, not the NBA?'

Professional football.

"And for a left-handed designated hitter and a player to be named later, Mr. Steinbrenner would gladly fly Elián home."

'I told my teacher that I won't be returning to school. I'm trying out for a pro basketball team, and her services are no longer required.'

The Off-Season

'When I grow up, if I don't become a pro basketball player, about about 'spin doctor'?'

'I want to be a professional Polo player too when I grow up... Can I have your autograph please?'

"To be honest, it just collects dust."

'I want to be a professional Polo player too when I grow up...Can I have your autograph please?'

"Sure, Pop, I see the ball—what I don't see are incentives."