Billy Williams's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 28, 2025

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Billy Williams.

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

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.

1962: Named NL All-Star

In 1962, Billy Williams was named a National League All-Star.

1963: Consecutive Games

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

1965: Named NL All-Star

In 1965, Billy Williams was named a National League All-Star.

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.

1968: Named NL All-Star

In 1968, Billy Williams was named a National League All-Star.

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.

1970: Finished Second in MVP Voting

In 1970, Billy Williams batted .322 with 42 home runs and 129 RBI, finishing second in the Most Valuable Player voting.

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: Named NL All-Star

In 1972, Billy Williams was named a National League All-Star.

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.