#145) CHARLIE WILLIAMS

Charlie Williams was born in Flushing, New York. He was drafted by his hometown New York Mets in the 7th round of the 1968 amateur draft. Charlie made his major league debut on April 23, 1971 in a game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. During the 1971 season he pitched in 31 games and made nine starts. Despite that Charlie found himself back in the minors to start the 1972 season. On May 11, 1972 he earned the distinction of being the man to be traded for the legendary Willie Mays. Williams along with $50,000 was sent to the San Francisco Giants in return for the former New York star. Mets' owner Joan Payson wanted Willie to end his playing career back in New York and continue afterward as a coach. The financially challenged Giants were more than willing to let that happen.

Charlie Williams signed this card from a private signing held by Major League Alumni Marketing on November 21, 2009.