Sarah Williams agreed to answer some questions today. Sarah is the wife of Angels pitcher Jerome Williams.
Sarah, thanks for taking the time. Tell us more about yourself.
Well I’m a mother of three children with Jerome, Alana 8, Keilani 6, and Tai 3. I met my husband back in 2002 when he was playing for my hometown AAA team the Fresno Grizzlies. I’m a homeschooling mom and supporting baseball wife.
What has been the best part of being a wife of a Major League ballplayer?
I honestly think the best part is getting to see my husband live his dream. He gets to do what he loves for a living. I’d still be just as proud of him if he were in Indy ball as I am of him in the big leagues. My other favorite part has been living in different parts of the country and different parts of the world. I feel like our children are so lucky to experience different places and that when they get older they will really appreciate it all.
What’s been the toughest part?
The toughest part is surprisingly also one of the best parts and that’s the moving, it all gets very chaotic at times with the not knowing where you will be the next year or heck in the baseball world sometimes you don’t know where you’ll be the next day. I love the fact though that we are now going on our third season in Anaheim because sometimes you just want to settle in one place and where better than Southern California.
Do you have any memorable “Jerome” moments you can share with us?
One of my most memorable moments in ten plus years will always be his first complete game shutout against the Oakland A’s his rookie year way back in 2003. I just remember it being such a quick game and if I remember correctly he only threw 96 pitches and it ended on a strikeout, it was the perfect end to an amazing game.
I also will never forget the night we got the call in 2011 that he was going back to the big leagues. There was just so much emotion and lots of happy tears, after all we had gone through as a family it was that moment that we knew that hard work and perseverance do indeed pay off.
Do you travel when Jerome goes on the road? And do you have a favorite stadium and city?
I travel sometimes when Jerome goes on the road, we tend to go on the close trips like Oakland or Seattle, with three kids though I keep the traveling on the road to a minimum 😉 I do however do 1 to 2 road trips a year kid-free.
My favorite stadium by far will Always be AT&T park, it’s just such a great stadium in so many ways, I’ve definitely missed it a lot after all these years. The first thing I plan to eat whenever I go back there is some Garlic fries and a cha-cha bowl.
Favorite city though hands down is Chicago, they have great shopping, great food, and I love their Museums and the Shedd Aquarium.
Are you involved with any charities, programs?
I try to stay as involved with the Angels wives charity events as I can, we do mystery ball sales twice a season, and silent auctions. I also did a CHOC visit with some wives last year to brighten up the days of some of the children in the hospital. I’m hoping this year to start a charity in Memory of Jerome’s Mother Deborah benefitting Breast Cancer Research.
Thanks for taking time Sarah. Is there anything you would like to add?
I just want to say thanks to anyone who supported the Williams family throughout Jerome’s career. We’re hoping 2013 is a big year for Jerome and for the Angels!
Jerome Williams is one of the nicest guys in the game. Jerome was the number one draft pick by the Giants in 1999. He has played for the Giants, Cubs, A’s, Nationals, Dodgers, Twins, Uni-President Lions (Taiwan) and the Angels.
Jerome thanks for taking some time.
You pitched a season in Taiwan, What was that experience like?
Very different. Being overseas and playing the game I love was different. Typical Asian players. Contact hitters. Learn real quick.
You wear a puka shell necklace when you pitch. Would you like to share that story?
My mother passed away of breast cancer in 2001. Before I left to spring training, she gave me that necklace. I never take it off.
What has the best experience you have had playing baseball?
Being apart of the Giants in those days when Barry Bonds was on the team. He was amazing. Things he did, was unbelievable.
If a player tests positive for PEDS during their career should they be eligible for induction to the Hall of Fame?
It matters when he did it. Maybe his numbers was HOF type numbers. Sad that players are doing PEDS.
If I was looking at buying some music, what and who would you suggest?
Hip hop, R&B, reggae, and Hawaiian. Very versatile.
I wish you luck in the upcoming season.