Cy Williams
| Birthdate | 12/21/1887 |
| Death Date | 04/23/1974 |
| Debut Year | 1912 |
| Year of Induction | |
| Teams | Cubs, Phillies |
| Position | Center Field |
Cy Williams was the NL record holder for career homers from 1923-1929. He’s 1 of 3 players born before 1900 to hit at least 200 career HRs.
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In the collection:
Four-time HR champ Cy Williams was the NL's career leader in bombs for six years
Four-time HR champ Cy Williams was the NL's career leader in bombs for six years
Cy Williams is a forgotten slugger from the early part of the 20th-century. He led the NL in homers four times and finished in the top three in the league 11 times.
On August 23, 1923 he tied Roger Connor as the NL’s career leader in homers. He held the record until June 29, 1929 when Rogers Hornsby passed him.
Williams led the NL in homers both in the Deaball Era and afterward. It took him only 12 homers to lead the Senior Circuit in 1916. Seven years later he hit 41 to pace the league.
An excellent defensive player, Williams also hit .300 or better in six seasons.
Many believe he has a case for Cooperstown.
In the collection is a personal check signed by Williams on September 2, 1972.
Cy Williams' home run hitting was greatly aided by Philadelphia's Baker Bowl
Cy Williams' home run hitting was greatly aided by Philadelphia's Baker Bowl
A quick look at Cy Williams’ home/road splits reveals how much the Baker Bowl helped his career. Just 86 of his 251 career homers were hit on the road.
His batting average/on-base percentage/slugging percentage slash line is equally as stark. At home Williams slashed .316/.396/538. On the road the numbers were .268/.333/.402.
Shown here is a 3×5 autographed by Williams who was the National League’s career home run leader from 1923-1929. He led the league in homers four times, 1916, 1920, 1923, and 1927.
Here Williams has signed in the style familiar to collectors, including his first name and nickname. Notice at the bottom right of the card, Williams has written “over”. On the reverse Williams has written his what he calls his greatest thrill.
Cy Williams was the first National Leaguer to reach 200 career homers
Cy Williams was the first National Leaguer to reach 200 career homers
On the reverse of the 3×5 card autographed signed by Cy Williams. The first NL player to hit 200 homers, he recounts his greatest thrill.
“My greatest thrill in baseball was in a Philly-Pirate game in Phila. We were one run behind in 9th – man on 2nd one out. Kremer had me 3 balls – 2 strikes. Next pitch – I hit ball over fence – 20′ fair – it blew foul. I went back to plate and on his pitch – hit ball again fair over fence but it went foul. So I returned to plate and on his pitch – hit ball over fence for third time – it stayed fair and we won the game.”
Williams was among the ten oldest players in the NL in each of his last seven seasons. He played until 1930 when he was 42 years old. Williams passed away at age 86 in 1974.
Forgotten great who deserves another look by the Veterans Committee.