Earl Williams: 1948-2013

**Deb** · 01-31-2013, 08:39 PM

Earl Williams: 1948-2013

Aaron Gleeman
Jan 31, 2013, 2:50 PM EST

Earl Williams, who won the NL Rookie of the Year for the Braves in 1971, died Monday at age 64. Jorge Castillo of the Newark Star Ledger writes that Williams was diagnosed with leukemia last July.

Williams was a catcher/first baseman who played eight seasons in the majors for the Braves, Orioles, A’s, and Expos from 1970-1977. In addition to his strong rookie year Williams was an above-average hitter in each of his first four full seasons, averaging 29 homers per 160 games, but hit just .235 with a .679 OPS after age 25 and was finished in the majors at age 28.

He was traded from the Braves to the Orioles in a deal that sent current Nationals manager Davey Johnson to Atlanta, and Castillo notes that he clashed with Baltimore manager Earl Weaver to the point that Williams was suspended for “a reluctance on Williams’ part to listen without interruption.”

**Reveryroadie** · 01-31-2013, 08:59 PM

RIP, and thoughts and prayers to his family and former teammates

01-31-2013, 08:39 PM	#1
Deb Owner/Maid HOF'er (retired jersey) Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 49,040 Reputation: 1379 My Mood: : $536349	Earl Williams: 1948-2013 Earl Williams: 1948-2013 Aaron Gleeman Jan 31, 2013, 2:50 PM EST Earl Williams, who won the NL Rookie of the Year for the Braves in 1971, died Monday at age 64. Jorge Castillo of the Newark Star Ledger writes that Williams was diagnosed with leukemia last July. Williams was a catcher/first baseman who played eight seasons in the majors for the Braves, Orioles, A’s, and Expos from 1970-1977. In addition to his strong rookie year Williams was an above-average hitter in each of his first four full seasons, averaging 29 homers per 160 games, but hit just .235 with a .679 OPS after age 25 and was finished in the majors at age 28. He was traded from the Braves to the Orioles in a deal that sent current Nationals manager Davey Johnson to Atlanta, and Castillo notes that he clashed with Baltimore manager Earl Weaver to the point that Williams was suspended for “a reluctance on Williams’ part to listen without interruption.” __________________ "And in the depths of winter, I found in me am invincible summer."

01-31-2013, 08:59 PM	#2
Reveryroadie Roadie/NFL Swami/Co-Owner All Pro Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: virginia Beach, VA Posts: 9,507 Reputation: 1744 My Mood: : $84244	RIP, and thoughts and prayers to his family and former teammates __________________

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