Matt Williams on Hall of Fame Ballot

Matt Williams worked the hot corner for the San Francisco Giants from 1987 through 1996. While his bat was a major factor in the strong teams of '89 and '93, it was Williams quiet, appreciative demeanor (almost the antithesis of Barry Bonds) that endeared him to the fans of San Francisco. He lead the NL in RBIs in 1990, and finished the strike-shortened 1994 season on pace to set the single-season home run record. Fans vocally criticized the team's decision to trade Williams for four players prior to the 1997 season. Injuries often kept Williams from amassing the great statistics he seemed destined for. Still, he compiled 378 home runs in his career and holds the distinction of being the only player to homer in three World Series for three different teams. He finally got his ring in 2001 as a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Whether or not the Hall of Fame committee will find this sufficient for induction remains to be seen. He gets our vote for sure.