Bernie Williams

Children's Literature - Elizabeth D. Schafer

Versatile Bernie Williams contemplated several careers, including physician and musician, prior to focusing on professional baseball. Born in 1968 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Williams benefited from his parents' insistence he enhance his intellectual, artistic, and sports talents. A track star, Williams played baseball in local leagues because his music school did not field a team. The Pittsburgh Pirates, for whom Williams' uncle Jedan Figueroa had played, recognized sixteen-year-old Williams' potential, but he declined the contract that team offered. The next year Williams accepted a New York Yankees' contract and started playing for the Gulf Coast Rookie League in spring 1986. He practiced switch-hitting to advance. By July 1999 Williams played his first major league game. A centerfielder, Williams contributed to the Yankees winning four World Series and earned awards for his performances. He played in the 2006 World Baseball Classic in Puerto Rico. This biography explores how Williams balanced his athletic and musical interests, noting his concerts and album. Emphasizing Williams' quiet, humble personality, the text highlights his skills communicating with reporters and fans and describes his 2005 tour of Venezuela and Colombia as a cultural ambassador. Several popular culture references to Williams are mentioned. Supplementary material includes Williams' major league statistics through 2006, sidebars, photographs, a glossary, time line, and bibliography. This book lacks notes identifying quotation sources. A title in the "Baseball Superstars" series. Reviewer: Elizabeth D. Schafer