Billy Williams
From BR Bullpen
Note: This page links to Hall of Fame outfielder Billy Williams. For the former major league outfielder who played in 1969, click here.
Billy Leo Williams (Sweet Swingin' Billy from Whistler)
- Bats Left, Throws Right
- Height 6' 1", Weight 175 lb.
Inducted into Hall of Fame in 1987
[edit] Biographical Information
Billy Williams had one of the "sweetest" swings in all baseball. He could hit for power, for average, and was an "iron man," playing in 1117 consecutive games. Williams was 1961 NL Rookie of the Year and twice finished second in the MVP voting (1970 and 1972, both times to Johnny Bench). He finished his career with two disappointing seasons as the designated hitter for the Oakland A's in 1975 and 1976. His only post-season action came in the 1975 ALCS.
Williams was the brother of Franklin D. Williams
- Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame on January 14, 1987 by the Baseball Writers Association of America.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 1961 NL Rookie of the Year Award
- 1961 Topps All-Star Rookie Team
- 6-time NL All-Star (1962, 1964, 1965, 1968, 1972 & 1973)
- NL Batting Average Leader (1972)
- NL Slugging Percentage Leader (1972)
- NL OPS Leader (1972)
- NL Runs Scored Leader (1970)
- NL Hits Leader (1970)
- 3-time NL Total Bases Leader (1968, 1970 & 1972)
- 20-Home Run Seasons: 14 (1961-1973 & 1975)
- 30-Home Run Seasons: 5 (1964, 1965, 1968, 1970 & 1972)
- 40-Home Run Seasons: 1 (1970)
- 100 RBI Seasons: 3 (1965, 1970 & 1972)
- 100 Runs Scored Seasons: 5 (1964-1966, 1969 & 1970)
- 200 Hits Seasons: 3 (1964, 1965 & 1970)
- Baseball Hall of Fame: Class of 1987
| NL Rookie of the Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 1961 | 1962 |
| Frank Howard | Billy Williams | Ken Hubbs |
[edit] Records Held
- Hits, most in a game with all of team's hits, 4, 9/5/69 (tied) box score
[edit] Further Reading
- Billy Williams and Fred Mitchell: My Sweet-Swinging Lifetime With the Cubs, Triumph Books, Chicago, IL, 2008.
