Random Cub

This week’s not-so-random Cub is Mitch Williams.

The Cubs traded Raphael Pameiro and Jayme Moyer to Texas for Williams, who made his debut with the Cubs on opening day 1989. He gave up three singles to load the bases in the 9th inning, only to strike out the next three batters to earn the save.

Nicknamed Wild Thing (Major League, featuring the character Rick “Wild Thing” Vaughn came out in April of 1989), he made the All-Star team that year and helped the Cubs make the play-offs. Cubs first baseman Mark Grace once said “Mitch pitches like his hair's on fire.”

He’s best known, however, for his stint with the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies lost the World Series in 1993 to Toronto 4 games to 2 with Williams blowing 2 saves. Had he converted them, the Phillies would have won the Series 4 games to 2.

He came on in Game 4 with the Phillies winning 14 to 10 only to allow 5 runs to score.

Then in Game 6, he was brought in to close out the 9th inning with the Phillies up 5 to 4, only to give up a game & series winning walk-off three-run homer to Joe Carter.