Billy Williams was surrounded by family, friends and longtime former teammates as a statue of the likeness of the Cubs Hall of Famer was unveiled during a ceremony Tuesday at the corner of Addison and Sheffield, just outside of Wrigley Field.
Former teammates Ernie Banks, Ferguson Jenkins, Glenn Beckert, Randy Hundley and Ron Santo were in attendance as Williams' wife, Shirley, four daughters and grandchildren watched the long-awaited depiction of Sweet-Swinging Billy Williams from Whistler, Alabama.
View more photos of the statue
Also among those in attendance were Baseball Hall of Fame Museum president Jeff Idelson, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Pat Brickhouse, the widow of Hall of Fame broadcaster Jack Brickhouse, and Dutchie Caray, the widow of Harry Caray, also a Hall of Fame broadcaster.
"I really appreciate you guys being here," said Williams, who has spent 52 years in the Cubs organization as a player, coach and executive. "You could see how much fun we had in the '60s. It's a joy to know these individuals. I know that Ernie, Fergie, Beckert, Randy Hundley, Ron Santo have been great teammates. But most of all, they're great friends because we've been together for so long."
Williams thanked new Cubs owner Tom Ricketts and the rest of the Ricketts family, "for making this possible." He also thanked former Cubs general manager John Holland and scout Buck O'Neil for convincing him not to quit baseball in 1959 after he experienced overt discrimination in the minor leagues in Texas.
"Everything wasn't easy. I am living proof that perseverance really can make a dream come true. And I dreamed. If you dream, those dreams might come through," Williams said.
The sculpture was commissioned by Lou Cella of the Rotblatt-Amrany art studio in Highwood.
Williams was the National League Rookie of the Year in 1961. During his 18-year major league career, including 16 seasons with the Cubs (1959-74), Williams batted .290 with 2,711 hits, 426 home runs and 1,475 RBI. The six-time National League All-Star hit 20 or more home runs 14 times, had 90-plus RBI 10 times and batted at least .300 five times. Williams played in a then-N.L. record 1,117 consecutive games from 1963-1970. His 392 home runs as a Cub are third-highest in franchise history.
"When you look at his numbers and what he has done...an all-around player. Not just a real great hitter, but a good ballplayer, a smart ballplayer and a wonderful guy," Santo said.
"I think the people here knew it was time for Billy," said Tom Ricketts of the organization's decision to erect a statue of his likeness. "He is such a wonderful man. Not only was he a great player, but he has been a classy member of this organization for all of these years. So it just made sense to go ahead do that today."
Photo: Billy Williams speaking during the statue unveiling. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/Tribune) See more photos
Billy, you will forever be one of the greatest Cubs ever. I loved the team during your era. Thanks for all the memories and congratulations!!
I was in the first row of the left-center field bleachers on Ernie Banks Day in 1964. I caught a home run hit by Billy. Truth be told, it landed in a Frosty Malt below my seat, from where i plucked this jewel.
My favorite BW discipline was the toss the bat to the ground on its knob, and catch the return of the knob to the palm. I learned to do this after some hours of practice...and can still perform this at age 61. Thanks, Billy!
BTW, the most beautiful baseball swing of all time.
Cheers,
Hank
Congrats Bily!!
All I haveto say is thank God I lived New York city in 1969. Man what a summer THAT was!!!
As a White Sox fan who grew up when Jack Brickhouse broadcast games on both sides of town, I saw a lot of the Cubs, along with that smooth, reliable Billy Williams batting stroke. Congratulations to a stellar professional ... he richly deserves this honor.
Congratulations, Billy! A link to this article has been submitted to Good News Now (http://GoodNewsNow.com/).
Folks, it wasn't spit it was a piece of gum that he would begin chewing when entered the on deck circle - spearmint I believe. He was my hero as well, I was at Billy Williams day (doubleheader) in '69 when he broke the NL consecutive streak. Still have the button and my 1969 picture that Jewel handed out that summer. I have his rookie card as well. Congratulations No. 26, you and Hawk will always be my favorite Cubs!
The best pure hitter I ever saw!
Thanks for the memories, Billy. It's a shame some so-called "cry baby" Cubs fans have to use an article about Billy to take swipes at another great player.
Only good memories of sweet-swingin Billy. He never lost his cool he just played the game. What better town than Chicago to have this great baseball player and man?
Cheers to the Ricketts family for recognizing Billy like this.
I wore #26 in several sports in Billy's honor.
I'm a south sider, BUT I'm also a Chicago fan and, let's face it, you can't be a true baseball fan and not be a Billy Williams fan. Congratulations, Billy! You are a class act!
Billy was great, too bad his talent was wasted on the flubbies
Where's the WS trophy room at Wrigley...oh wait.....they don't have any LOL
cubs blow
SOXSIDE PRIDE....2005
Sir Dragon of Mannywood
Stick with the Sockies
TEHAN FOR MVP
1919
Finally true class comes to the top in Chicagoland
I was a big fan of Santo when he played but he has a huge Ego and cry baby. so when is he going to start crying for his statue? cause he will......as far as Billy Williams statue, no reassembles at all. they should have had his swing lower with a wad of spit on the bat, something he did all the time. great Cub, great hitter, great person.
sweet billy #26 was pro on and off the field - i still hate the METS
Billy Williams is one of the very few that deserve a statue. Well done Cubs to give Billy one. That leaves Ryne Sandburg and Andre Dawson to get the next well-deserved statues. After that not too many Cubs have really distinguished themselves for such a long duration as Cubs because many of them go on to have decent to great careers with other clubs.
I started watching the Cubs back in 69, I remember that team like it was just yesterday, it's still my most favorite team of all time. Billy was not only a great player, he did everything on and off the field with style. The statue dedication was well deserved! We love you #26!
Nice job Billy. You were my hero when I was a boy. My favorite Cub of all time. So much class all the way. Hey! Hey!
I'm 52 years old and still remember Billy striding to the plate after leadoff man,Don Kessinger & 2nd place hitter,Glen Beckert have singled. That seemed to be a common occurrence in the late '60's-early '70's. He would first spit,then swing at it in the ondeck circle before getting in the batters box. I still consider Billy as the finest hitter I have seen on the Cubs since the late sixties. Congrats to a Great and Classy man!!
WAY TO GO BILLY!!!!!
Congratulations to Billy! Well deserved, I patterned my little league swing after his with far less result, unfortunately.
I've been an avid Cubs fan for 50 years. I've seen a lot of players come and go. Billy is my favorite Cub of all time. What a sweet swinger. What a great player. What a class act! Congratulations, Billy!!!