1989 Mitch Williams, Chicago Cubs
This card is a doozy. Indicative of his wild nature, this Mitch Williams hitting card is pretty much guaranteed of getting you three results; a strikeout, a double play, or if you’re lucky, maybe a homerun.
It was 1989 and after three years in Texas, it was his first time picking up the wood. I guess it was feast or famine. In five plate appearances, he struck out once, hit into a double play and on September 18, he hit a 3-run homerun against Don Aase of the New York Mets.
In case you’re wondering, Williams’ BXW is based on a 2.76 ERA and a 4-4 record. He struck out 67 and walked 52 in 81 2/3 innings. Interestingly, he placed tenth in MVP voting that year probably boosted by the Cubs playoff berth.
As a Cub fan, I remember the Wild Thing. I remember how he would almost fall off the mound when he pitched. I also remember how 9th innings were always “exciting” when he pitched.
That said, he usually got the job done.
