Sweet-Swinging Billy Williams

Sweet Swinging Billy Williams, he was tagged early in his career with the Chicago Cubs. Williams, who was the 1961 National League Rookie of the Year made his mark in baseball history with his durability, and bat.

Williams spent sixteen seasons in the major leagues fourteen of those with the Cubs, and his last two with the Oakland Athletics. Williams was an iron man his day playing 1,117 straight games from 1963-1970. His streak currently ranks sixth in major league history. He was a six-time National League All-Star, won the battling title in 1972. He was snubbed for the All-Star game in 1970 when had a 26 home runs and 80 RBI at the all-star break.

His best season was 1972, when he hit 37 home runs with 122 RBI, and hit .333. He finished second to Johnny Bench of the Reds in the MVP voting. His career numbers of 426 home runs, 1475 RBI, and a .290 batting average were enough to get him elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1987.

Often over shadowed in recent years by fellow Hall Fame players Ferguson Jenkins, Ron Santo, and Ernie Banks, but Williams was a key member of the solid Chicago Cubs teams of the late 60's and eaarly 70's.

Gentleman Jim Hickman Passes Away

Former Chicago Cubs outfielder Jim Hickman has passed away according to reports. Hickman is remembered for delivering the game winning hit in the 1970 All-Star game in which Pete Rose blew up Ray Fosse at home plate.

Hickman broke in to the big leagues with the New York Mets after being selected in the expansion draft from the St. Louis Cardinals, and played with them from 1962-66. While in New York, Hickman became the first Met to hit for the cycle, and it was Hickman that hit the last home run in the Polo Grounds. He played the 1967 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers  before being sent packing to the Chicago Cubs.

He enjoyed his most productive year in 1970 with the Cubs. Hickman blasted 32 home runs with 115 RBI, and finished with a .315 batting average. They were career highs in all three categories. He would provided the Cubs two more solid seasons before tapering off in 1973, and spent 1974 with the Cardinals.

As a young fan of the Cubs Jim Hickman was always one of my favorites among the non-star players. In my young mind, it seemed he was always delivering in the clutch. Rest in peace Gentleman Jim.

Dave Kingman Hits Home Run Over Waveland

Dave Kingman was known for his majestic home runs, poor defense, and surly disposition. In his career he blasted 442 home runs with 1,210 RBI. Kingman was a three time All-Star, and won home run twice in 1979, and 1982 in the National League. Kingman became the first player with over 400 home runs that wasn't elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Shop Amazon - Top Rated Products

Mark Grace's First Major League Hit

May 2, 1988. Chicago Cubs rookie Mark Grace gets his first hit against the San Diego Padres. Grace would go on to notch 2,445 hits in a sixteen-year career with the Cubs and Diamondbacks. He would win four Gold Glove Awards playing first base. Grace was a three time All-Star, and played on the 2001 World Series champion  Arizona Diamondbacks.

Chicago Cubs Ryne Sandberg

On this date in baseball history, Ryne Sandberg of the Chicago Cubs hits his 267th home run. Breaking Joe Morgan's record, Sandberg would end up with 282 career home runs. He retired with .285 batting average with 2,386 hits. Sandberg was a 10 time All-Star, 1984 National League Most Valuable Player, 9 time Gold Glove Award winner, 7 time Silver Slugger Award winner, and his #23 has been retired by the Chicago Cubs. In 2005, he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Ron Santo's Road To Cooperstown

Ron Santo was a nine time National League All-Star, he won the Gold Glove Award five times. He hit 342 career home runs, and knocked in 1,331 runs with 2,254 career hits. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2012. His #10 was retired by the Chicago Cubs.