Mitch Williams

[Psyblast]

So I'm sitting here watching Game 6 of the 1993 World Series on ESPN Classic, and I'm just wondering:

Was Mitch Williams EVER a reliable pitcher? The way the announcers were talking and his mechanics made it seem like he was one of the wildest pitchers in history.

[BunnyHardaway]

Re: Mitch Williams

Well, his stats look pretty good other than the very high amount of walks. A career 3.65 ERA, usually as many strikeouts as innings pitched, but the walks weren't too far behind. He had 43 saves and a 3.34 that year, so it wasn't like he was a guaranteed blown save. I think it was just a matter of him making one mistake pitch on a very large stage. His stats make it seem like he was a good closer in his years with the Phillies and Rangers.

[Tomahawk]

Re: Mitch Williams

He closed for the Cubs when they won the Division Title in 1989, too. I think that is when the "Wild Thing" stuff started. Pretty sure in his first appearance for the Cubs he walked the bases loaded. Don Zimmer lost what hair he had left and Harry Caray went on a tirade in the press box, but then Mitch Williams struck out the next 3 batters. He was exciting to watch back then, but he caused most of it with his control issues.

[Fiddy]

Re: Mitch Williams

lmao i watched this game last night.. my main man Nails smoked that ball off of Stewart, then looked like he could barley move his arms while running... lol

[SPTO]

Re: Mitch Williams

I think it was just a matter of him making one mistake pitch on a very large stage. .

That sounds like you're being an apologist

Williams was HOORIBLE in the '93 series. He was 0-2 with 1 save and a 20.25 ERA. So if it was just the Joe Carter HR then he would've been heavily criticized but his career would've continued. Instead he was a complete bum and deserved the ill treatment he got. (well not to the point of fans nearly killing him but you know what I mean)

[teebone]

Re: Mitch Williams

That sounds like you're being an apologist

Williams was HOORIBLE in the '93 series. He was 0-2 with 1 save and a 20.25 ERA. So if it was just the Joe Carter HR then he would've been heavily criticized but his career would've continued. Instead he was a complete bum and deserved the ill treatment he got. (well not to the point of fans nearly killing him but you know what I mean)

Give him a break. He had a dead arm. He had lost a lot of velocity and his manager knew this and they still put him out there in crucial situations...and he would do his best.

[SPTO]

Re: Mitch Williams

Give him a break. He had a dead arm. He had lost a lot of velocity and his manager knew this and they still put him out there in crucial situations...and he would do his best.

I didn't know he had a dead arm. If that was indeed the case the Fregosi deserved a lot of the blame. Oh and I gave him a break, after all if he hadn't pitched I don't know if the Jays would've won it all that year.

[Tomahawk]

Re: Mitch Williams

I never figured out why teams didn't bunt on him more when he had his good stuff. I mean he almost fell the 3rd base dugout after every pitch. He could have never fielded a ball bunted towards 2b.

[rsox]

Re: Mitch Williams

With 192 career Saves Williams was fairly reliable.

I'm just amazed he never took a line drive off his head diving to the third base side of the rubber like he did.

[HealyMonster]

Re: Mitch Williams

192 saves isnt horrific, but williams is more infamous than "famous" hes known now for being wild thing as apposed to a "good pitcher".

[Tomahawk]

Re: Mitch Williams

With 192 career Saves Williams was fairly reliable.

I'm just amazed he never took a line drive off his head diving to the third base side of the rubber like he did.

Actually I do remember something like that happening when he pitched for the Cubs.