Bernie Williams returned to Yankee Stadium to jam through the national anthem on jazz guitar
Bernie Williams has a special place in Yankees history. The outfielder and prolific hitter was a consummate professional day after day, suiting up in pinstripes for 16 seasons and helping the organization win four World Series.
You know about his many on-field accomplishments, but Williams is also a classically trained jazz guitarist. In fact, he was nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2009. He's a big deal, and returned to Yankee Stadium on Friday night to take in some batting practice ... sort of:
Special anthem performance tonight for #Yankees #RedSox. It's not Jimi Hendrix. But it's close. @bw51official #BreathlessIPF pic.twitter.com/FyGrvFODfE
— Sweeny Murti (@YankeesWFAN) September 1, 2017
Williams made this appearance at the Red Sox-Yankees game to help raise awareness about IPF (Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis), which his father died of in 2001.
#Ad: My dad loved seeing me at #YankeeStadium. He¡¯d be proud that I¡¯m back, raising #IPF awareness: https://t.co/h4LmlIdrtZ #BreathlessIPF pic.twitter.com/8xaFm4nMgh
— Bernie Williams (@bw51official) September 1, 2017
With his guitar in tow, Williams delivered a performance of the national anthem ... and as you'd expect it was smoother than smooth:
That guitarist looks familiar! BIG thanks to @bw51official for playing the National Anthem in support of IPF awareness. ??#BreathlessIPF pic.twitter.com/1Tf4qZ8NxZ
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 1, 2017
A few innings into the game, Williams showed up in the YES Network booth to reminisce about the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry and more:
A master on the diamond, and a master of the six-string. What can't Bernie do?
