Since the 1980s, one of Eric’s favorite hobbies has been fly fishing. In recent years, he has taken up shooting, a traditional English country pursuit.
Back in the late 1970s, Eric was an enthusiastic supporter of West Bromwich Albion (aka “The Baggies”). In fact, his team scarf can be seen draped over the couch on the back cover of his album, Backless (1978). It is not known if Eric currently follows UK football (soccer).
Eric announced his “retirment” from the sport of cricket on 10 August 2001 in a charity match against the Alec Stewart Bunbury XI at Ripley Court School in Surrey. The final score was Bunbury XI 305 for 6 against the Eric Clapton XI’s 304 for 12. He labored long and hard for his all-time best of 13. The day was also England’s hottest day on record with temperatures soaring into triple digits (farenheit).
The London Daily Telegraph quoted Eric as saying on the occasion of the 2001 match, “I love watching cricket but I hate playing it. Every now and then it appears to be an attractive proposition, then the game starts and reality dawns.” He continued, “I like to be good at everything I do whether its fishing, playing the guitar or singing. But the only thing cricket has taught me is humility.”
Despite these words, Eric has decided to come back from retirement to once again pick up a cricket bat. On 8 June 2008 - just three days after his short U.S. summer tour ends - he will again field his Eric Clapton XI against The Bunburys in a charity match.
Eric was introduced to the sport by David English, former president of RSO Records and founder of the Bunbury charity cricket team in the 1980s. He joined the first Bunbury side in a match played at Ripley Court School in 1986. Since then, the every-changing celebrity team has raised more than 10 million pounds for various charities. In the ensuing years, Eric would occasionally take part in matches in the greater London area.
Eric is a long-time collector of cars. In recent years, he has begun collecting custom “hot-rods”.
