July 14, 2009
Baseball fans will forever remember the playing days of the great Billy Williams and his long, successful career with the Chicago Cubs. Renowned for his extraordinary hitting, the Hall of Famer was a six-time All-Star selection and his retired No. 26 still flies over The Friendly Confines. The Cubs faithful know him as Sweet-Swingin' Billy Williams, but to granddaughter Nikki Simpson he is simply "Papa." Below, Simpson discusses life with her grandfather and his influence on her softball career.
What was it like growing up with a Hall of Famer as a grandfather?
Growing up with my grandfather was one of the coolest experiences. When I was younger, I did not understand how famous or well respected he was in baseball because to me he was just "Papa." As I got older, I started to realize how great it was to have a grandfather who used to play baseball.
Did he ever take you to Wrigley?
As a child, I felt like I grew up at Wrigley because Cubs games were a must during the summer. I loved going on the field, running the bases and playing in the outfield; it was so much fun.
What influence has your grandfather had on your softball career?
My grandfather has played a huge role in my softball career because I have always wanted to be like him. In travel ball, I wear his jersey number [26] because it is my good luck charm. My goal is to do what he did and be great. When he played, he had so much love for the game and I think that he has passed that down to me.
Your grandfather played alongside many baseball greats such as Ernie Banks and Ron Santo. Does he ever tell any stories from his playing days?
My grandfather has a million and one stories to tell about his playing days. My favorite story he told me was when he made an amazing catch to keep a no-hitter alive for his teammate. To me it shows he was a true team player and always gave it his all.
Did you two ever play catch together when you were growing up?
Playing catch with my Papa is so much fun. He doesn't really know how to throw a softball and he always says it feels about the size of a watermelon when we play. It's so funny.
What is the best piece of advice he's ever given you?
The best advice my grandfather has ever given me would be to never give up on what you want. If you want something, you have to work hard to get it and never let anyone tell you that you cannot succeed.
You play outfield just like your grandfather did. Has he ever given you any pointers?
My grandfather has given me a lot of pointers in the outfield like how to crow hop, come through a ball and how to field balls. He knows a lot and I try to learn as much as I can from him.
Did either of your parents or close relatives also play baseball/softball?
Surprisingly, my parents did not play baseball or softball. My dad was all about basketball and my mom never really got into sports. My uncle, Franklin, played in the Negro leagues with the Kansas City Monarchs. Also, my brothers and all of my cousins play baseball, so our family is a huge baseball family.
Has your grandfather been able to attend any of your softball games at Illinois?
Yes, he loves coming to our games and thinks that they are really exciting. He always asks me when we are going to Oklahoma City [for the College Softball World Series] because he wants to be the first to buy a plane ticket so he can come cheer us on.
What are your softball aspirations?
My goals in softball are to become a better and smarter player. I always want to contribute to the team and help them out in any way I can. I also want to win a national championship in my years at Illinois.
What are you up to this summer? Are you playing softball?
I am playing travel softball for the DTA Elite this summer. I have played travel ball since I was eight years old, so I enjoy it and my experience so far this summer has been great. I'm really focusing on what I learned last year at Illinois and practicing it to become a better player.
