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IRVING — Bernie Williams has four World Series rings, won four consecutive Gold Gloves and collected more than 2,300 hits in a 16-year baseball career with the New York Yankees.
And, after tonight, he might need to clear even more space on his mantel for a Grammy. Yes, a Grammy.Williams’ second album, Moving Forward, has been nominated for Best Instrumental Album for tonight’s Latin Grammy Awards."It took me completely by surprise," Williams said. "I knew after baseball, my life would be involved with some sort of musical aspect. I never knew I would start out and get a nomination like this. It’s given me an indication that I’m on the right track."Williams was in town earlier this week for Vernon Wells’ charity golf tournament. The Star-Telegram caught up with him before he flew to Las Vegas for the awards show.How has the music career been? It’s different from baseball in some ways, and, in some ways, it’s the same. I think it requires the same work ethic. In baseball, you do your soft toss and hitting and throwing and batting practice. In music, it’s all about scales and arpeggios and listening to music and learning about theory. You have one opportunity to play on stage and make that great impression, just like in sports. But I think preparation is the key in both sports and music.How is performing live? It’s that moment in time, performing live on stage in front of people, that makes it different than baseball. In baseball, I could get away with playing my game, as long as I hit the ball and caught it and threw it. I didn’t have to interact with the fans. Music is much different. You have to draw them into your little world and make sure they enjoy it as much as you are.Is there a similar rush being nominated for a Grammy and the World Series? I think I have more control of the World Series because I was hitting and playing. With the Grammy, I have no control over that. I don’t know who picks who or anything like that. Just to be nominated is a great honor.Speaking of the World Series, how is it watching the Yankees? I feel glad for them. I’m very happy for them because they’ve been working so hard the past couple of years. They’ve certainly spent a lot of money doing it, but I think it’s working on all cylinders right now.Finally, have you thought about your Hall of Fame potential? Obviously, it would be a great honor. My dad used to tell me that making the Hall of Fame should be my goal. As I get older, I appreciate that I’m even considered. But, more importantly, it’s just the memories and the things I got playing from the game. It was a great part of my life. The opportunity to play for 16 years and the relationships and the great moments, those are what I really take out of it.
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