Billy Williams

Hall of Famer Billy Williams, who made his reputation as an outstanding hitter as a left fielder for the Chicago Cubs, was born on June 15, 1938, in Whistler, Alabama. He made his major league debut with the Cubs on August 6, 1959, and in his first full season, won the National League Rookie of the Year award in 1961. In his 16 years with the Cubbies, was named to six All-Star teams. Noted for his consistency, in 18 years (he finished his career with the Oakland A's in 1975 and '76, playing in the American League Championship series against the Boston Red Sox in '75) he racked up 2,711 hits for a .290 career average to go along with 426 home runs and 1,475 RBI. In 1972, he led the N.L. with a .333 batting average while hitting 37 dingers (third best in the league) and driving in 122 runs (second in the league). For this performance, he was named "Sporting News" Player of the Year. He was also noted for his durability: He held the N.L. record for consecutive games played with 1,117, a mark since surpassed by Steve Garvey. Williams was enshrined in the Hall of Fame by the vote of the Baseball Writers of American in 1987.