Billy Williams, the esteemed Chicago Cubs Hall of Famer, expressed delight and surprise as he discussed Pete Crow-Armstrong’s exceptional season. At 88, Williams knows what an MVP-level performance entails, having been the National League runner-up in 1970 and 1972.
“When I first saw Pete play, I noticed his speed and thought, ‘He’ll be a catalyst for this team. He can run, steal bases,’” Williams shared with the Tribune. “But seeing him hit 43 home runs is thrilling.”
On Wednesday night at Wrigley Field, Crow-Armstrong made history by breaking Williams’ team record for the most home runs by a left-handed hitter in a season. Crow-Armstrong achieved this milestone emphatically, hitting two home runs during a Cubs win.
Williams, who watched from his home, called Crow-Armstrong to congratulate him. “I appreciate what he’s done for himself and the organization,” said Williams. “I wish I had been at the ballpark when they chanted ‘M-V-P!’”
It has been 56 years since Williams’ 42-homer record from 1970 stood unbroken. Williams thought Kyle Schwarber might have surpassed it had the Cubs retained him. Yet Crow-Armstrong, through early-season adjustments to his approach, stance, and hand placement, continues to impress.
Following the Cubs’ 5-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds, Crow-Armstrong boasts a .277 batting average, a .369 on-base percentage, a .941 OPS, 44 home runs, 29 doubles, 105 RBIs, and 115 runs scored.
“When I saw him hit, I knew it would be tough because the lake winds make you hit line drives at Wrigley,” Williams said, noting Crow-Armstrong’s skill. “Hitting many home runs at Wrigley is impressive.”
Crow-Armstrong’s 27 homers at Wrigley are exceeded only by Schwarber’s 28 within the same season. He has a chance to add to this during the Cubs’ final three home games against the Miami Marlins. His home run tally ranks as the eighth most in a season at the ballpark, comparable to Moisés Alou’s 29 in 2004.
Williams has developed a rapport with Crow-Armstrong and both have worn jersey number four. Crow-Armstrong values this connection. “It’s cool to be in conversations with legends like him,” he said, “He’d want me to surpass his numbers.”
Williams compared the enthusiasm Crow-Armstrong evokes in fans to that generated by Sammy Sosa. “Fans leave early if he’s not at-bat in later innings,” Williams remarked.
The Cubs aim to secure a playoff spot, needing just two more wins. Williams plans to attend any postseason games at Wrigley, appreciating the love from Cubs fans. “The statue shows the effort to help the team win,” he said.
A deep playoff run requires a stellar performance from Crow-Armstrong, likely to be crowned MVP during the awards season. Williams believes Crow-Armstrong’s potential is immense. “His ceiling is high. Staying healthy will lead to great things in Chicago,” he said.
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