Williams' sweet swing set in bronze at Wrigley
It was Mr. Cub himself, Ernie Banks, who may have summed up Billy Williams best.
"Billy is not a flashy person, or loud," Banks said Tuesday during the unveiling of a statue in the likeness of Williams. "But he played the game the right way."
Williams' speech upon receiving the honor was in keeping with that persona: low-key, understated and modest.
The Cubs honored Williams with a bronze statue of his likeness outside the gate at Addison Street and Sheffield Avenue. Williams joined fellow Hall of Famer Banks and late broadcaster Harry Caray as those honored by the Cubs with a statue.
Coming up originally in 1959, Williams played for the Cubs through 1974 before finishing with two seasons in Oakland. His only boast Tuesday was being a member of the Cubs family in some capacity for 52 years.
"This is truly something I couldn't have imagined," he said. "This is beyond my wildest dreams - I'm living proof that with perseverance, we all can make a dream come true."
Williams was joined by his wife, Shirley, and many family members. In addition to Banks, former Cubs Ron Santo, Glenn Beckert, Fergie Jenkins and Randy Hundley were present.
They cited Williams' extraordinary playing ability - 2,711 career hits and 426 home runs - and his perseverance. Williams played in 1,117 consecutive games, then a National League record, from September 1963-September 1970.
"I remember driving to the ballpark," Banks said. "I said, 'Billy, do you ever get tired and want to take a rest?' He said, 'No, Ernie, I want to prove to people that I am a professional baseball player,' and that's what he did."
Santo cited Williams' leadership.
"He's a beautiful person," Santo said. "Everybody thought he was a little shy, but he wasn't. He was a leader in that clubhouse."
The Cubs announced in spring training plans to build the statue. Williams said he "dreamed about it, and this day couldn't come fast enough."
Although he was cool during his speech, he said he was emotional nonetheless. The statue depicts Williams in his follow-through, and he said the hit was a "grand slam."
"Oh, man, excited, yeah," he said. "Excited about what was about to happen. The excitement started to get to me a couple days ago. This is, maybe not topping the Hall of Fame, but you're right here with the fans who saw you perform."
<p class="factboxheadblack">Bruce Miles' game tracker</p>
<p class="News">Astros 7, Cubs 3</p>
<p class="News"><b>Pitch counting:</b> Carlos Silva, making his first start since Aug. 1, threw 87 pitches (54 strikes) in 5 innings. He gave up a home run to Brett Wallace in Houston's 3-run second inning. It was Wallace's first major-league homer.</p>
<p class="News"><b>Leading man:</b> Kosuke Fukudome was back in the leadoff spot. He went 2-for-4 with a double and a walk. His on-base percentage is .382.</p>
<p class="News"><b>Triple time:</b> Tyler Colvin hit his fifth triple of the season, which ties him for third among rookies with teammate Starlin Castro. Colvin also drove in 2 and stole a base.</p>
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