Billy Williams

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From nearly quitting baseball, to the Hall of Fame, to an executive advisor for the Cubs, Sweet-Swinging Billy Williams has devoted his life to baseball. Williams writes of his treasured time as a Cubs player and coach, his favorite teammates, and humble beginnings in his brand-new autobiography, Billy Williams: My Sweet-Swinging Lifetime with the Cubs.

Growing up in Whistler, Alabama, there were few opportunities to play baseball. With help from older players in the amateur leagues, Williams learned the fundamentals of the game, and soon moved up to Triple A. Within a week his name was inked onto the big-league roster. Williams outlines some of his most unforgettable memories including:

• The 1969 Cubs season and its tie to the surge of Cubs fans today
• His farthest home run, which cleared Wrigley and hit a window across Sheffield Ave.
• Taking an inside fastball to the head—without a helmet
• Playing in six different All-Star Games and subbing for Stan “The Man” Musial
• Winning the American League Division in 1975 with the Oakland A’s
• His induction into the Hall of Fame in 1987

This endearing story of perseverance and determination in Billy Williams: My Sweet-Swinging Lifetime with the Cubs sheds a new light on the problems Williams faced and the achievements he received as a ballplayer. As a former winner of the National League batting title, Player of the Year, National League Rookie of the Year with a still-standing record of 25 home runs, Williams holds an unprecedented individual record of excellence.

Williams, with his notable humble personality, lays it all on the line and shares stories and insights about the personalities of teammates, the steroid era, Sammy Sosa’s cork bat incident, and Al Campanis’ famous statement. All Williams needed to live out his dream was to play baseball and do it well. He accomplished his dream and inspires others to do the same in Billy Williams: My Sweet-Swinging Lifetime with the Cubs.

About the Authors:

Billy Williams played for the Chicago Cubs from 1958-1974. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987, and is currently an executive advisor for the Cubs.

Fred Mitchell has spent the past 33 years as a sportswriter covering the Chicago Bears, Cubs, and Bulls for the Chicago Tribune. Mitchell has written seven other books including nationally acclaimed Playing Through with Earl and Tiger Woods. Mitchell lives in Chicago with his wife Kim and son Cameron.

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