Eddie Williams' first two pro home runs went for grand slams - a year apart; Played six seasons, never made AA

Eddie Williams had some luck on his first two professional home runs - they both went for grand slams, according to one of his card backs.

It was just he hit one in his first week as a pro in 1986 and the other the next year, in July 1987, according to the card.

Those two home runs proved his only home runs in the outfielder's first two professional seasons. He went on to play in six pro campaigns and end with a home run total of 12. He never got the chance to hit a home run in the majors. He never made AA.

Williams' career began that year in 1986, taken by the Cubs in the third round of the draft out of Vallejo High in California.

Williams started with the Cubs at Wytheville. He hit .276 in 52 games. He also hit that one home run and stole 12 bases. His first grand slam came June 21 against Pulaski. He then got invited to that fall's instructional league.

Williams moved single-A Peoria and short-season Geneva for 1987. He hit .229 between them over 85 games. He saw 14 games at Peoria without hitting a home run. He got into 71 games at Geneva. His second career home run - and second grand slam - came July 20 against Batavia. He also stole 24 bases for Geneva.

Williams then played 1988 and 1989 completely at Peoria. He hit .223 his first year there, stealing 23 bases, and hit .244 in his second. He tripled and scored and walked and scored in an August 1989 game.

He played 1990 at high-A Winston-Salem. He hit .234 in 114 games there. He also hit eight of his 12 career home runs for Winston-Salem. He stole 12.

Williams moved to the Giants system and high-A San Jose for 1991. He saw 25 games and hit .260 to end his career.

• Peoria Chiefs, 1989: Eddie Williams

1990 Minor League Tally
Players/Coaches Featured:3,273
Made the Majors:1,178-36.0%
Never Made Majors:2,095-64.0%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors: 486
10+ Seasons in the Minors:286