SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (Aug. 26) -- Ex-New York Yankees star Bernie Williams is returning to a world series, but he's trading his glove in for a guitar.The former outfielder-turned-professional guitarist will play the Star Spangled Banner before the U.S. championship game Saturday night at the Little League World Series.
It will be the first time that Williams will perform the national anthem in public, Little League and Williams said in a statement Wednesday.
"I have so many fond memories of playing Little League Baseball growing up in Puerto Rico,'' Williams said. "Always dreaming of someday playing in the major leagues, and now that dream lives inside each one of these youngsters who will take the field this weekend.''
Williams played 16 years with the Yankees, retiring after the 2006 season with a .297 career batting average and four World Series rings.
Now, the classically trained musician is a recording artist with Reform Records. His single, "Go For It,'' is currently the No. 1 song in the country on Billboard's Smooth Jazz chart.
Williams isn't the only notable name who will be taking part in pregame festivities Saturday.
Former U.S. Army Gen. Tommy Franks is scheduled to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the U.S. game Saturday. Franks was commander in chief of the U.S. Central Command when the United States began military action in Afghanistan in 2001 and invaded Iraq in 2003. He retired in August 2003.
By GENARO C. ARMAS, AP Writer
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