Here's how it goes: You can email a question for Eric to me and every couple of weeks or so, I will send your questions to Eric and post his replies on this page.

Please remember, Eric is very busy with a demanding schedule and does not always have time to check his email, but he will try to get questions answered as regularly as possible.

Also, please note that I will be selecting which questions get sent to Eric, so please do not ask any exceedingly inappropriate questions as they will NOT be passed along.

Intro from Eric:
What is up! A few weeks ago I was "surfing" around the internet, something I must admit is very rare for me. When I typed in ericbyrnes.com I had no idea what I would find. To my pleasant surprise, I was shocked! I had no idea such a site even existed. What I was not surprised to find was the person who created it. Tina Harris has been my number one fan since my days in Sacramento. Since then, she has not only been a great fan but a great friend. I can't thank Tina enough for her loyalty over the past four years. Tina, the site is awesome!

I was the one who approached Tina about answering questions. I figured it was one way to repay Tina for all her hard work and effort she has put into the site. I also think it will be fun to be able to communicate with many different people from all over the world. As far as I'm concerned anything goes, if you are not scared to ask it, I am not scared to answer it. On that note.............lets rock!

Eric

Email Tina your question!

Q&A Round 4 - 8/30/04

Katherine:
I love watching you play and you are such an inspiration. I play softball and I play center field and wondered if you had any tips for me. Thanks for being so great.
Who are your best friends on the team. Can you say hi to Mark Ellis from my best friend?

EB: Try to slow everything down, make sure you track the ball off the bat, have fun and remember if you are going to make a mistake make sure you make it being agressive!
My best friend on the team is barry zito, although I have built so many great relationships with the guys over the years, I have a lot of great friends.

Jiselle (Age 16 from Melbourne Australia):
I'm the only person in my school (or that i know) that is into baseball over here. That sucks coz i love it and think with that the right attitude it could potentially be a really big, widely enjoyed sport over here. Byrnesie, you're one of my heroes and possibl my favourite athlete and i was wondering: what do you think can be done in Australia to make the game more popular??

EB: There are so many great australian baseball players over here now that I am surprised the sport has not caught on bigger in austalia. Like everything in life I am sure it will take time but as long as Australians continue to play the game, its only a matter of time.

Diane:
If you don't [stay] with the A's, (which is a deal breaker for me as a fan right now) what team would you like to play for and why?

EB: I have a west coast bias but I would be happy to play for any team who believes in me.

Sean:
If for some reason you don't play for the A's next season, what would be your top 3 choices of other teams you would like to play with?

EB: Think west.

Carla:
- I've heard you talk about playing golf, but it's kind of hard to imagine you playing such a low-energy game. What about it appeals to you?
- You obviously love your dogs. Who takes care of Bruin and Bella when you're on the road and do you call and talk to them on the phone?
- Your espanol is muy bien! Did you study Spanish, or just pick it up in the DR?
- You seem more AC/DC than Jimmy Buffet. What radio stations do you listen to in the Bay Area?

EB: - I love being outside and hanging out with friends more than the game itself.
- My girlfriend takes care of them when I am on the road and i call and talk to them on the phone every night!
- Pretty much I have just picked it up playing in the Dominican, I have bought a few books and listened to some tapes. It is still difficult for me to understand conversations, yet it is very easy for me to communicate something I need to say or ask.
- I am very multi cultural when it comes to music. I listen to country, hip hop, rap, rock, folk music, Latin music, and whatever else my mood calls for.

LittleTejada@aol.com:
Im such a big fan of yours i love watching you play, you r the best! When you were young were there always people who said u wouldn't make it to the majors? If so how did you feel and what did u do?Ok well good luck in the playoffs.

EB: Always believe in yourself, and be careful what you think because your thoughts are forever creating your reality.

Ashley:
What is your perfect girl?

EB: Someone who has confidence and is sincere, there is nothing better than a girl who loves to smile.

Senor B Herman:
1. Do other teams ever kid you about the white shoes that the A's wear?
2. What are you going to do against the Giants this year (I hate them)?
3. What's your fav postion besides the outfield to play?

EB: 1. Always, but I love them.
2. Everything I can to beat them!
3. I don't remember it has been so long since I have played another position.