Woody Williams
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- For World War II Medal of Honor recipient, see Hershel W. Williams.
| Houston Astros — No. 29 | |
| Starting Pitcher | |
| Bats: Right | Throws: Right |
| Major League Baseball debut | |
|---|---|
| May 14, 1993 for the Toronto Blue Jays | |
| Selected MLB statistics (through 2006) |
|
| Strikeouts | 1379 |
| Earned run average | 4.09 |
| Former teams | |
|
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Gregory Scott "Woody" Williams (born August 19, 1966 in Houston, Texas) is a Major League right-handed pitcher who currently plays for the Houston Astros. He made his major league debut for the Toronto Blue Jays on May 14, 1993.
Williams, a Cy-Fair high school graduate and University of Houston alumni, began his career pitching in relief until he was moved to a full time starter in 1997. On December 12, 1998 he was traded to the San Diego Padres with Peter Tucci (minors) and Carlos Almanzar for right-handed pitcher Joey Hamilton. He worked exclusively as a starter in San Diego until he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals for outfielder Ray Lankford on August 2, 2001.
After he was traded, Williams' career took off. While in San Diego that season, he posted an 8-8 won-loss record with a 4.97 ERA in 23 starts, but with St. Louis, Williams went 7-1 with a 2.28 ERA in 11 starts.
He continued to pitch well for St. Louis, making the 2003 All-Star Game and starting Game 1 of the 2004 World Series.
After the 2004 season came to a close, Williams filed for free agency and signed back with the Padres on December 9, 2004.
On November 24, 2006, the Houston Astros announced they had signed Williams to a two year, $12.5 million contract, at the same press conference announcing the Carlos Lee signing.[1]
[edit] Pitching style
Williams uses an assortment of different pitches against opposing batters. He uses a cut fastball which he can throw between 89-92 mph, and his cutter is considered his best pitch overall. He relies on his curveball as his strikeout pitch, and utilizes a straight change as well. Williams is also known to throw an occasional knuckleball in games.
Williams is known to lose his effectiveness in games as his pitch count increases, and rarely makes it past the seventh-inning in games.[1]
