By Billy Williams and Fred Mitchell

Billy Williams was the “Sweet Swinging” left fielder of the Chicago Cubs in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Born in Whistler, Alabama and part of a group who came up in baseball in the late 1950s, where he was subjected to racism in the minor leagues. He was the Cubs left fielder for well over a decade. He finished his career with a .290 batting average, over 2,700 hits, more than 400 home runs, and over 1,400 RBIs. Well loved by Cubs fans, he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1987. This is his autobiography, done with the help of ghostwriter Fred Mitchell.

This is Mr. Williams’ autobiography and like most it is interesting in what it says and doesn’t say. He talks about the subtle “rules” in where he grew up in Alabama verses the sometimes naked racism in other places. Personal and team problems are alluded to and often softly deflected. It is a good, soft read.

213 pages

3/5