A statue of Hall of Famer Billy Williams was dedicated by the Chicago Cubs outside Wrigley Field on Tuesday.
The sculpture was unveiled before Chicago's home game against the Houston Astros. Williams was accompanied at the ceremony by his wife, Shirley. Also in attendance were former teammates Ernie Banks, Ferguson Jenkins, Ron Santo and Glenn Beckert, and Chicago dignitary Rev. Jesse Jackson.
"I really appreciate you guys being here," said Williams. "You could see how much fun we had in the '60s. It's a joy to know these individuals. I know that Ernie, Fergie, Beckert, Randy Hundley, Ron Santo have been great teammates. But most of all, they're great friends because we've been together for so long."
Williams thanked the Ricketts Family for the honor and for making a "dream come true."
“We are excited to unveil the Billy Williams statue, not only to the Hall of Famer himself, but to all Cubs fans,” Cubs owner Tom Ricketts said. “Billy is a legendary Cub and we appreciate his activity within the organization, dedicating his time in the community and sharing his knowledge and experiences with players and staff."
Last week broadcaster Harry Caray's statue was relocated to the Field's bleachers entrance.
Fellow teammate Ernie Banks is the only other ballplayer to be so honored by the Cubs.
Williams hit 392 of his 426 homers as a member of the Cubs from 1959 to 1974. The Cubs formally retired his No. 26 uniform in 1987.
