Billy Williams

Billy Leo Williams grew up in a segregated neighborhood. He began playing professional baseball in 1956 with the Ponca City Cubs of the Sooner State League.

Williams was the 1961 National League Rookie of the Year. For 16 seasons, Williams anchored left field for the Cubs, becoming as much a part of Wrigley Field as the ivy-covered outfield walls.

In each season from 1961 to 1973, the sweet-swinging Williams hit at least 20 home runs and drove in 84 runs. Williams was a six-time All-Star and won the 1972 NL batting title. Williams was traded to Oakland after the 1974 season and helped the A’s win the 1975 American League West championship.

In 1987, Williams was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, and his Cubs’ uniform number 26 was retired. In 1999, he was selected to the Cubs All-Century team, and in 2010 Williams was honored with the unveiling of his statue outside Wrigley Field.