It's never easy letting go of something you love.

But for Bernie Williams, letting go of one successful career has led to the pursuit of another, more satisfying one.

While best known as the longtime centerfielder for the New York Yankees, Williams is also making a name for himself as a critically acclaimed guitarist with two hit albums already in stores.

"I'm enjoying the transition into a full-time musician," said Williams.

Williams made a special appearance at FYE in the Milford Mall on April 15 to promote his newly released album Moving Forward. The five-time All-Star turned musician signed copies of his CD for fans of all ages - many of which waited patiently in a line that snaked around the perimeter of the store just for a chance to meet the former Yankee great.

One of the people who lined up to get Williams' autograph was Sacred Heart University senior Nicholas Mahmood.

"I was surprised at how many people were there," said Mahmood. "I didn't even know about it until I was walking through the mall the day before and saw the sign. I got there shortly before it started and jumped right in line."

Calling music his "true passion," Williams first took up the hobby at age 13 and eventually released his first album, The Journey Within, in 2003 when he was still chasing down fly balls in centerfield for the Bombers.

Yankees fans might remember Williams and teammate Paul O'Neill forming their own band during the late 1990's in which Williams played the guitar while O'Neill banged on the drums. The duo often set up shop in the Yankee clubhouse and, on occasion, the right centerfield bleachers at the old Yankee Stadium.

While the days of Williams patrolling the Yankee outfield and smacking home runs are over, Williams is clearly enjoying his new career in the music business.

"I'm living out my second dream and enjoying every minute of it," said Williams.

Williams' record company, Reform Records, also couldn't be more pleased with his success.

"It's rare that you find someone who is a master in sports and music," said Reform Director of Label Operations Chris Hower. "In terms of the quality of musicianship that Bernie brings to the table, he's an amazing person to work with. You couldn't ask for a nicer guy."

According to Hower, Reform had followed Williams' music career dating back to when he was with Verve Records before signing him to a contract last June.

"When we found out he was choosing to leave his former label, we thought it was a great opportunity to step in and offer him a deal," said Hower.

Judging from the large turnout at FYE last week, Hower and Reform are sure glad they swooped in and grabbed him when they did.

In addition to achieving a great deal of individual success, Williams has paired up with the likes of Bruce Springsteen and James Taylor in Moving Forward.

Williams played the guitar while "The Boss" and his wife sung "Glory Days" at Joe Torre's Safe at Home Foundation dinner two years ago.

The song was recorded live and Springsteen and his manager were more than happy to allow Williams to feature the song on Moving Forward.

Another one of the album's songs is a rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" in which the voice of legendary Yankees Public Address Announcer Bob Shepphard can be heard introducing Williams the same way he did for 15 years at Yankee Stadium.

Williams is also no stranger to the Connecticut area. He performed at a benefit concert at Faith Church in New Milford on Feb. 10, 2007 along with Chynna Phillips.

The day before the performance, Williams notified the Yankees that he would not accept their minor league contract offer and invitation to spring training.

Speaking to a group of reporters before the concert, Williams all but cut ties with the Yankees - at one point referring to them as "that team" and appearing hurt by the fact that he was not in their future plans.

"If they wanted me on the team, they would have signed me already," Williams said at the time. "They have a responsibility to do what's best for the team and I have to do what's best for my family."

Williams continued working out at his home in White Plains, N.Y., hoping that he would somehow get another opportunity to continue his playing career.

But Williams' phone never rang and his only taste of competition during the last three years was when he suited up for his native Puerto Rico in the last two World Baseball Classics.

In the 2006 Classic, Williams went 6-24 with two home runs and 5 RBIs but went 0-5 with two walks in the most recent WBC.

"It was great," said Williams of representing his country. "It made me want to play again."

But chances are, the 2009 WBC was the last time we'll see Williams on a baseball field, except, of course, for the annual Old Timers' games at Yankee Stadium .

He also didn't rule out the possibility of returning to baseball someday as a manager or coach but, for now, his only focus is on his music career.

Having already solidified himself as one of the greatest Yankees of all-time, Williams is now fully engulfed in his music career.

Bernie Williams is Moving Forward and this time, it's a whole new ballgame.