Mike Williams was a professional baseball player who played as a relief pitcher for several teams in the Major League Baseball (MLB) during his career. Williams was born on July 29, 1968, in Radford, Virginia, and he attended the Radford High School. He was a standout athlete in high school, excelling in both baseball and football.
Williams began his professional baseball career in 1990 when he was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 14th round of the MLB draft. He spent several years in the Phillies' minor league system before making his MLB debut in 1992. Williams played for the Phillies for three seasons before being traded to the Houston Astros in 1995.
Williams played for the Astros for two seasons before being traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1997. He had a breakout season with the Pirates in 1999, recording 46 saves and earning a spot on the National League All-Star team. Williams continued to play for the Pirates until 2000 when he was traded to the Kansas City Royals.
Williams played for the Royals for one season before being traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates again in 2001. He played for the Pirates for two more seasons before being traded to the Cincinnati Reds in 2003. Williams played his final MLB season with the Reds in 2003 before retiring from professional baseball.
Throughout his career, Williams was known for his ability to throw a fastball that reached speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. He was also known for his durability, having pitched in over 500 games during his career. Williams finished his career with a record of 32-54 and an earned run average (ERA) of 4.45.
After retiring from baseball, Williams remained involved in the sport as a coach and mentor to young players. He also worked as a broadcaster for the Pirates and as a pitching coach for the West Virginia Power, a minor league team affiliated with the Pirates.
In 2017, Williams passed away at the age of 53 due to complications from kidney disease. His death was mourned by many in the baseball community, who remembered him as a talented player and a beloved teammate and friend. Williams' legacy continues to live on through his contributions to the sport of baseball and the lives of those he touched throughout his career.
⚾