Cubs Great Billy Williams Praises Pete Crow-Armstrong’s Outstanding Season

Chicago Cubs Hall of Famer Billy Williams expressed amazement when discussing Pete Crow-Armstrong’s impressive performance this season. Williams, who knows the dedication required for MVP-level success, was a National League MVP runner-up in 1970 and 1972. He observed Crow-Armstrong’s exceptional speed and talent, calling him a potential catalyst for the Cubs. Williams marveled at Crow-Armstrong’s 43 home runs, describing it as thrilling to witness such achievement in baseball.

On Wednesday night, Crow-Armstrong made history at Wrigley Field by breaking Williams’ team record for most homers by a left-handed hitter in a season. He achieved this with style, hitting two home runs in a Cubs win. Williams watched the feat on TV from his home in Glen Ellyn and contacted Crow-Armstrong afterward to congratulate him. Williams expressed appreciation for Crow-Armstrong’s achievement both as an individual and as a contributor to the organization.

Williams shared his thoughts with Crow-Armstrong, mentioning that he wished he had been at the ballpark to join the fans in chanting ‘MVP’. Williams believes Crow-Armstrong has demonstrated MVP-worthy numbers and should be considered for the title. It took 56 years for another left-handed player to surpass Williams’ 42-home run mark from 1970. Williams thought Kyle Schwarber might have been the one to break the record, but Crow-Armstrong impressed with his adjustments and hand placement in early-season strategies.

Crow-Armstrong, after a Cubs victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday, boasts .277 average, .369 on-base percentage, .941 OPS, 44 home runs, 29 doubles, 105 RBIs, and 115 runs. Williams lauded Crow-Armstrong’s ability to hit line drives at Wrigley Field, suggesting it was essential due to wind conditions dictating the ball’s path. Crow-Armstrong’s 27 home runs at Wrigley Field are second only to Schwarber (28), with more chances to add to his tally in upcoming games against the Miami Marlins.

Crow-Armstrong has formed a connection with Williams over the years, sharing jersey number 4, which Williams wore during his 1959 debut. Though not typically focused on milestones, Crow-Armstrong appreciates his association with such a respected figure in Cubs history. Crow-Armstrong stated that hitting milestones connected him to great players like Williams and that he aims to continue achieving similar feats.

Williams compared Crow-Armstrong’s unpredictability and fan excitement to Sammy Sosa’s home run legacy. He recalled fans leaving games when Sosa wasn’t up to bat, predicting similar enthusiasm for Crow-Armstrong at Wrigley Field. This fascinates Williams, who sees Crow-Armstrong as a player worth watching, consistently thrilling 40,000 fans at the ballpark.

As the Cubs move closer to playoff qualification, aiming for the No. 1 wild-card position to host a series, Williams plans to attend postseason games at Wrigley. He appreciates the fans’ love, noting that a Hall of Fame statue reflects effort to help the Cubs succeed, even if a World Series wasn’t achieved.

A deep postseason run will require Crow-Armstrong’s ongoing star-level performance, likely earning him an MVP award in November. Williams sees a bright future for Crow-Armstrong, highlighting his potential as tied to his health, predicting significant achievements in Chicago.