One way and another I was having a ball - playing gigs, jamming and listening to fine musicians. Then came a crisis at home. My stepfather fell sick, and it meant I had to support the family.

Quite a few musicians came to our house. And my ma took me to hear many more, hoping to encourage in me a love of music. But she wouldn't consent to my having music lessons, for she feared I might end up as she had done - unable to play except from paper.

He explained how ridiculous the clowning was, and there and then I decided to settle down and play seriously.

I was just playing winter ball and enjoying myself. If it was meant to be, it was meant to be. It wasn't, but I'm not disappointed at all. We have a chance to win a World Series.

Having a home away from the media glare is important to world-class athletes.

I learned a lot from playing those late-night, 1-to-4 A.M. gigs with my band, and playing when no one was listening.