Ex-Yank Williams enjoying life after baseball
Rob Morgan
Issue date: 4/23/09 Section: Sports
It's never easy letting go of something you love.
But for Bernie Williams, letting go of one successful career has led to the pursuit of another, more satisfying one.
While best known as the longtime centerfielder for the New York Yankees, Williams is also making a name for himself as a critically acclaimed guitarist with two hit albums already in stores.
"I'm enjoying the transition into a full-time musician," said Williams.
Williams made a special appearance at FYE in the Milford Mall on April 15 to promote his newly released album Moving Forward. The five-time All-Star turned musician signed copies of his CD for fans of all ages - many of which waited patiently in a line that snaked around the perimeter of the store just for a chance to meet the former Yankee great.
One of the people who lined up to get Williams' autograph was Sacred Heart University senior Nicholas Mahmood.
"I was surprised at how many people were there," said Mahmood. "I didn't even know about it until I was walking through the mall the day before and saw the sign. I got there shortly before it started and jumped right in line."
Calling music his "true passion," Williams first took up the hobby at age 13 and eventually released his first album, The Journey Within, in 2003 when he was still chasing down fly balls in centerfield for the Bombers.
Yankees fans might remember Williams and teammate Paul O'Neill forming their own band during the late 1990's in which Williams played the guitar while O'Neill banged on the drums. The duo often set up shop in the Yankee clubhouse and, on occasion, the right centerfield bleachers at the old Yankee Stadium.
While the days of Williams patrolling the Yankee outfield and smacking home runs are over, Williams is clearly enjoying his new career in the music business.
"I'm living out my second dream and enjoying every minute of it," said Williams.
Williams' record company, Reform Records, also couldn't be more pleased with his success.
But for Bernie Williams, letting go of one successful career has led to the pursuit of another, more satisfying one.
While best known as the longtime centerfielder for the New York Yankees, Williams is also making a name for himself as a critically acclaimed guitarist with two hit albums already in stores.
"I'm enjoying the transition into a full-time musician," said Williams.
Williams made a special appearance at FYE in the Milford Mall on April 15 to promote his newly released album Moving Forward. The five-time All-Star turned musician signed copies of his CD for fans of all ages - many of which waited patiently in a line that snaked around the perimeter of the store just for a chance to meet the former Yankee great.
One of the people who lined up to get Williams' autograph was Sacred Heart University senior Nicholas Mahmood.
"I was surprised at how many people were there," said Mahmood. "I didn't even know about it until I was walking through the mall the day before and saw the sign. I got there shortly before it started and jumped right in line."
Calling music his "true passion," Williams first took up the hobby at age 13 and eventually released his first album, The Journey Within, in 2003 when he was still chasing down fly balls in centerfield for the Bombers.
Yankees fans might remember Williams and teammate Paul O'Neill forming their own band during the late 1990's in which Williams played the guitar while O'Neill banged on the drums. The duo often set up shop in the Yankee clubhouse and, on occasion, the right centerfield bleachers at the old Yankee Stadium.
While the days of Williams patrolling the Yankee outfield and smacking home runs are over, Williams is clearly enjoying his new career in the music business.
"I'm living out my second dream and enjoying every minute of it," said Williams.
Williams' record company, Reform Records, also couldn't be more pleased with his success.
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