William George "Billy" Williams, Jr. (born September 19, 1930, Brooklyn, New York) was an umpire for the National League from 1963-1987. He wore uniform number 24 for most of his career.
Contents |
Williams was born in Brooklyn, New York on September 19, 1930. was an umpire in the Evangeline League (1956), Southwestern League (1957), South Atlantic League (1958- July 1959), and International League (July 1959- July 1963).[1]
He joined the National League full time starting in 1963, and officiated in the 1981 National League Division Series, four National League Championship Series' (1972, 1975, 1978, and 1982), three World Series (1970, 1976, and 1985), and three Major League Baseball All-Star Games (1965, 1973, and 1979).[2] He also was the home plate umpire for the 1967 no-hitter of Houston Astros pitcher Don Wilson.[3]
Williams had planned to retire at the end of the 1987 season, but two injuries ended his career early. On June 9, 1987, the umpire was hit in the right elbow by a wild pitch delivered by Chicago Cubs pitcher Rick Sutcliffe. Then on June 29, Williams' leg was broken on a play at the plate in a game between the Atlanta Braves and San Francisco Giants. Williams never umpired another game after that.[4]