"Sweet-Swinging" Billy Williams

Billy Williams spent 31 seasons in a Cubs uniform as a player and coach, a club record. A soft-spoken clutch performer, he was one of the most respected hitters of his day. Over 18 seasons he batted .290 and hit 426 home runs, including 20 or more homers in 13 straight seasons. He was the 1961 N.L. Rookie of the Year and the 1972 N.L. batting champion with a .333 average. He held the N.L. record for consecutive games played with 1,117. Williams was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, on July 26, 1987, and the Cubs retired his uniform number, 26, on August 13, 1987.

Chicago, Illinois · United States