I suppose years of not know what, besides work, was expected from a Mexican convinced me that I wouldn't pass from this earth without putting in a lot of days.
-- Manny (Chapter 1, The Baseball Glove paragraph 16)

Importance: Manny talks a great deal about his father's attitude that they should just take menial jobs and work as long and as much as possible. Immediately after this quote, he talks about his grandfather's “useful blood” and that he feels the need to stay busy.

All day he talked to his buddies about Mexico, and about schemes for making money and escaping back to Mexico – although some of the men there were born in the United States.”
-- Manny (Chapter 2, Rico's Pool Hall paragraph 1)

Importance: Manny is talking about his father and the other men who hang out at Rico's Pool Hall. The quote gives an important look at the attitude of Manny's father. He doesn't want a job, but he wants to feel useful. Later, he admits...