New Arrival: Billy Williams, of, Oakland Athletics

Billy Williams spent the first 16 seasons of his career with the Chicago Cubs. With the Cubs, he would put together a Hall of Fame career: 1961 Rookie of the Year, six-time All-Star, and 1972 batting champ. The one thing that he did not get was a World Series ring.

In October 1974, the Cubs traded Williams to Oakland. The A’s were still an excellent team in 1975 but were swept by the Red Sox in the ALCS. It was effectively the end of the 1970’s Oakland dynasty. The A’s struggled the next season, and Williams had a middling campaign. He would retire at the end of the season.