Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Billy Williams

How Billy Williams built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Billy Williams, a former MLB left fielder and coach, played from 1959 to 1976, primarily for the Chicago Cubs. He was a six-time All-Star and the 1961 NL Rookie of the Year. Williams consistently produced for the Cubs, delivering at least 20 home runs and 80 RBI each year from 1962 to 1973. He batted over .300, hit 30 home runs and scored 100 runs five times each. He was a key figure, along with Ernie Banks and Ron Santo, in improving the Cubs' performance in the late 1960s. His 853 RBI and 2,799 total bases in the 1960s were the most by any left-handed hitter in the major leagues.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1956: Entered Professional Baseball

In 1956, Billy Williams began his minor league baseball career with the Ponca City Cubs of the Sooner State League.

1957: Played for Ponca City Cubs

In 1957, Billy Williams returned to Ponca City and hit 17 home runs.

1958: Split Time Between Burlington Bees and Pueblo Bruins

In 1958, Billy Williams divided his time between playing for the Burlington Bees and the Pueblo Bruins.

August 6, 1959: Debut with the Cubs

On August 6, 1959, Billy Williams debuted with the Chicago Cubs in a 4-2 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. He batted third and recorded his first RBI.

1959: Promotion to San Antonio Missions

In 1959, Williams was promoted to the Class AA San Antonio Missions but left the team due to racial discrimination. He was persuaded to return by Cubs scout Buck O'Neil, and then advanced to the Class AAA Fort Worth Cats. He played 18 games for the Cubs after being called up in August.

September 1960: Returned to the Cubs

In September 1960, Billy Williams returned to the Cubs and raised his average to .277. He hit his first home run on October 1.

1960: Played for Houston Buffs, Joined Cubs in September

In 1960, Billy Williams hit 26 home runs for the Class AAA Houston Buffs and joined the Cubs in September, playing in 12 major league games.

1960: Joined Chicago Cubs Team

In 1960, Billy Williams joined a Chicago Cubs team that included stars such as Ernie Banks, Ferguson Jenkins, and Ron Santo. Rogers Hornsby predicted Williams would win a batting title.

1961: Consistent Performance

From 1961, Billy Williams began a streak of hitting at least 20 home runs and driving in 84 or more runs each season.

1961: Named NL Rookie of the Year

In 1961, Billy Williams played in 146 games and was selected as the National League Rookie of the Year after hitting 25 home runs and driving in 86 runs, batting .278.

1963: Consecutive Games

In 1963, Billy Williams began a streak of playing 1,117 consecutive games.

1964: RBI Single and Grand Slam Against Houston Colt .45s

On May 1, 1964, Billy Williams had an RBI single and then capped off a 10-run 1st inning with a grand slam in the Cubs' 11-3 road win over the Houston Colt .45s. He won the NL Player of the Month Award for May with a .455 average, 8 home runs, and 22 RBI.

July 17, 1966: Hit for the Cycle Against Cardinals

On July 17, 1966, Billy Williams hit for the cycle in the Cubs' 7-2 win against the St. Louis Cardinals.

May 21, 1968: Set Major League Record

On May 21, 1968, Billy Williams set a major league record by playing his 695th consecutive game in the outfield.

April 9, 1969: Career-High Four Doubles

On April 9, 1969, Billy Williams had a career-high four doubles in the Cubs' 11-3 win over the Phillies, tying another major league record.

May 12, 1971: Drove in 1,000th Run for Cubs

On May 12, 1971, Billy Williams became the fifth player to drive in 1,000 runs for the Cubs with his 2-run home run in a 9-4 road win over the Phillies.

1972: NL Batting Champion

In 1972, Billy Williams was the NL batting champion and named the Major League Player of the Year by The Sporting News. He had a .333 batting average.

June 15, 1973: 2,000 Games with the Cubs

On June 15, 1973, Billy Williams became the fourth player to appear in 2,000 games with the Cubs in an 8-3 road loss to the Braves.

1973: Consistent Performance

Billy Williams' consistent performance ended in 1973, when he ended a streak of hitting at least 20 home runs and driving in 84 or more runs each season.