Bernie Williams, a name synonymous with New York Yankees baseball, pinstripes, switch-hitting prowess, and World Series championships, is more than just a celebrated athlete. While his legacy in the realm of baseball is undeniable, his lifelong passion for music, particularly the guitar, has always been a prominent undercurrent in his life, both during and after his illustrious playing career.
Throughout his years patrolling centerfield for the Yankees, Williams harbored a deep affection for music, a passion that he actively cultivated despite the demanding schedule of a professional athlete. This love for music recently came full circle as Williams leverages his musical talents to honor his late father’s memory and support a cause close to his heart.
In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Williams recounted a memorable encounter with rock icon Bruce Springsteen in the Yankees’ clubhouse. On that day, the dynamic was reversed, as the players, accustomed to being the object of autograph requests, found themselves starstruck by the presence of "The Boss." Springsteen was moving through the clubhouse, and Williams, rather than seeking the customary signature on a bat or ball, had a more unique request in mind.
"I have this Fender Telecaster in my locker," Williams recalled, "and I said to him, ‘Hey, would you please sign this? I’m not going to make you sign a ball or bat. I think this would be really cool.’" Springsteen obliged, leaving a personalized message on the guitar: "To Bernie, if you ever get tired of baseball…" In retrospect, Springsteen’s playful inscription seemed to foreshadow Williams’ eventual transition into a successful music career.
Now, post-baseball, Williams is deeply involved in using his musical platform to raise awareness and support for interstitial lung disease (ILD), a group of lung disorders that cause irreversible scarring and breathing difficulties. This Friday marks Rare Disease Day, and Williams spoke passionately about his involvement with "Tune In To Lung Health," a program dedicated to assisting patients and their families affected by ILD.
ILD is a devastating condition that affects approximately 50,000 Americans each year. The irreversible scarring of the lungs makes it progressively harder to breathe, often leading to the need for supplemental oxygen. Sadly, there is currently no cure for ILD.
Williams’ connection to the cause is deeply personal. In 2001, his father, Bernabé Williams Figueroa Sr., succumbed to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a specific type of ILD. He remembers his father with fondness, and he recalls the important roles his father had in his life. "He was the one that taught me how to play baseball," Williams said, "He was the one that taught me how to play music with my guitar and all that." The confluence of his passions and his personal loss has fueled his commitment to "Tune In To Lung Health."
"All of these things come together full circle with this initiative," Williams explained, "where I can really give back to the community, remember his legacy and do great things to my mind as well, being able to feel rewarded as I help other people navigate through these really challenging times."
The "Tune In To Lung Health" program explores the therapeutic potential of music and breathing exercises in managing the physical and emotional challenges of ILD. Through this initiative, Williams connects with patients and caregivers, sharing his music and personal experiences.
"Music has always been a really important part of my life," he said. "And as I’ve grown older, I can see how powerful music is in all aspects of life. You can use it for healing. If you’re emotional, it can get you through hard times. You can use it for working out. The power of music is just so vast, and for me, it just seems like a no-brainer to introduce it and to try to make it part of this campaign, which utilize the power of music to cope with a lot of these things that you have to deal with when you’re going through these interstitial lung diseases like my Dad went through when he was alive."
The program’s website offers various resources, including breathing exercises and musical activities, designed to improve the quality of life for patients and their caregivers. Williams, a Latin Grammy nominee, emphasizes the importance of breathing techniques, especially for singers.
"Breathing is a huge part of [singing], using your voice as an instrument," he explained. "The application for people that really value every single breath they take and everything going on in their life is really important, too. So, having that information on hand, you can have these exercises to really improve the quality of your life."
Williams finds his work with the initiative deeply fulfilling, stating that it is "very therapeutic" for him, allowing him to honor his father’s memory while pursuing his musical passion.
On March 27th, MLB Opening Day, Williams and his band will perform at the iconic Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey. The event will include a fireside chat with fans, focusing on the "Tune In To Lung Health" initiative. The Stone Pony holds special significance, as it served as a launching pad for Bruce Springsteen’s legendary career. The Jersey Shore venue set Williams on a path that eventually connected him with the Boss.
Years later, Williams had the opportunity to share the stage with Springsteen. "20 years later, I’m playing on stage with him for one of those Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation dinners," Williams recounted. "[Springsteen] was a guest performer, and he brought me on stage, and we had this great acoustic version of ‘Glory Days’ that we played together, him and his wife. That was a great moment in my young musical career. It’s one of the things I remember and will never forget."
Williams will never forget his father, who instilled in him a love for both baseball and music. "As long as I have a breath, I will try to give people information and try to educate people about what I went through and what my father went through," Williams affirmed. His dedication to raising awareness about ILD and supporting those affected by the disease is a testament to his character and a powerful tribute to his father’s memory. He continues to inspire others through his passion for music and his unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of those who need it most. His efforts serve as a shining example of how individuals can use their platforms to advocate for important causes and honor the legacies of loved ones.
