Billy Williams
Alabaman Billy Williams fine career was punctuated by his 1,117 consecutive games-played streak, at the time a National League record, and his batting title in 1972. He played on talented Cubs teams that never managed to reach the post-season, and when he finally arrived in Oakland late in his career he was a year late to realize his dream of playing in the World Series.
Quotes From Williams
"I didn't believe in guessing on the pitch with two strikes on me. You just look for the ball with two strikes. You can guess on the first strike or maybe the second. All good hitters have good swings all the time."
Played For
Chicago Cubs (1959-1974)
Oakland Athletics (1975-1976)
All-Time Rankings
Billy Williams ranks #15 among the Top 50 all-time at LF. Rankings ⇒
Best Season: 1972
A year after his consecutive games streak had stopped, Williams enjoyed his finest season, at the age of 34. He paced NL batters in batting (.333 and slugging (.606), while hitting 37 homers and driving in 122 runs. He finished behind Johnny Bench in NL MVP voting. It was Billy's last great season.
Factoids
From 1961-1973, Billy Williams opened every season batting third in the Cubs' lineup. In 1974, manager Whitey Lockman broke that streak when he inserted WIlliams in the cleanup slot on Opening Day.
Billy Williams Day
On June 29, 1969, the Cubs honored Williams at Wrigley Field prior to a doubleheader against the rival Cardinals. Williams was presented with gifts to commemorate his breaking of Stan Musial's National League record for consecutive games played. In the doubleheader, Williams exploded for a 5-for-9 performance, with two doubles and two triples, as the Cubs swept both contests.
Born
Billy Leo Williams was born on June 15, 1938, in Whistler, AL.
Batted: Left
Threw: Right
Primary Position: OF
Primary Team: CHN
Major League Debut
August 6, 1959
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1959
Willie McCovey
Billy Williams
Maury Wills
Tommy Davis
Jim Kaat
Tim McCarver
Jim Perry
Mike Cuellar
Zoilo Versalles
Nicknames
Sweet Swingin' Billy from Whistler
Similar Players
Dave Parker, Paul O'Neill
Related Players
Ernie Banks, Ron Santo, Fergie Jenkins
| Hall of Fame Voting |
| Year |
Election |
Votes |
Pct |
| 1982 |
BBWAA |
97 |
23.4% |
1983 |
BBWAA |
153 |
40.9% |
1984 |
BBWAA |
202 |
50.1% |
1985 |
BBWAA |
252 |
63.8% |
1986 |
BBWAA |
315 |
74.1% |
1987 |
BBWAA |
354 |
85.7% |
|
Post-Season Appearances
1975 American League Championship Series
Awards and Honors
1961 NL Rookie of the Year
Feats
Williams played in 1,117 consecutive games (1962-1971).
Milestones
- June 12, 1975: 400th HR... Came in same game that Hank Aaron belted his first homer in the American League.
Batting Feats
- July 17, 1966: Cycle...
- September 5, 1969: Only 4 Hits...
Hitting Streaks
17 games (1969)
17 games (1962)
16 games (1962)
15 games (1972)
All-Star Selections
1962 NL
1964 NL
1965 NL
1968 NL
1972 NL
1973 NL
Learn More about Billy Williams
Search Amazon.com for Books about Billy Williams ⇒
Search for Billy Williams at Google ⇒
View a map of his hometown at Mapquest ⇒
