Woody Williams, a right-handed pitcher, spent a substantial part of his Major League Baseball career with several teams, showcasing his skills on the mound. Born on August 19, 1966, in Houston, Texas, Williams attended the University of Houston, where he honed his pitching abilities before being drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 28th round of the 1988 MLB Draft.
Williams made his MLB debut with the Blue Jays on May 14, 1993. During his time with Toronto, he developed a reputation for his control and ability to keep hitters off balance. However, his tenure with the Blue Jays was relatively short, as he was traded to the San Diego Padres in 1998. This move marked a new chapter in his career, allowing him to further develop his pitching repertoire.
With the Padres, Williams became a reliable starter, known for his consistency and ability to pitch deep into games. His time in San Diego was marked by steady performances, and he quickly became a fixture in their starting rotation. In 2001, Williams was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, where he would experience some of the most memorable moments of his career.
Pitching for the Cardinals, Williams found himself on a team with postseason aspirations. In 2002, he played a crucial role in helping the Cardinals reach the playoffs. His performance in the National League Championship Series against the San Francisco Giants was particularly noteworthy, as he delivered strong outings that kept his team competitive. Although the Cardinals did not advance to the World Series that year, Williams' efforts were widely recognized.
Williams continued to be a dependable starter for the Cardinals over the next few seasons. In 2003, he was selected to the MLB All-Star Game, a testament to his performance and standing among his peers. His ability to maintain a low earned run average and his knack for striking out batters contributed to his reputation as a solid pitcher.
In 2004, Williams was part of the Cardinals team that advanced to the World Series. Although the Cardinals were ultimately defeated by the Boston Red Sox, reaching the World Series was a significant achievement for both Williams and the team. His experience and leadership were valuable assets during this period.
After his stint with the Cardinals, Williams returned to the Padres in 2005. He continued to pitch effectively, providing veteran leadership to a young pitching staff. His second tenure with the Padres was marked by consistent performances, and he remained a key part of their rotation.
In 2006, Williams signed with the Houston Astros, bringing him back to his hometown. Pitching for the Astros allowed him to play in front of family and friends, and he continued to demonstrate his skills on the mound. His time with the Astros was characterized by his ability to adapt and compete against some of the league's toughest hitters.
Williams retired from professional baseball after the 2007 season, concluding a career that spanned over a decade and included numerous memorable moments.
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