HOUSTON -- Former MLB pitcher and Houston native Woody Williams was on hand at Cougar Field this past Saturday as part of the University of Houston baseball "Fan Appreciation Day."
Williams, 45, didn't participate in the Alumni Game against the 2012 Cougars squad, but made his way around the dugouts saying hello to old friends and current players while mingling with fans.
Brad Lincoln, Chris Snyder, Chris Wallace, Jesse Crain, Blake Kelso, Bryan Pounds, Ryan Wagner, Caleb Ramsey, Michael Goodnight, Brad Sullivan and Doug Drabek joined Williams as the University of Houston baseball alumni who took part in the event.
For Williams, it was great to be back on campus.
"I remember being on teams with Anthony Young and a bunch of good players in the 1980s," Williams said. "The guys were great. I developed lifelong friendships. Those things don't go away."
Williams, a 2003 NL All-Star selection, pitched for the Toronto Blue Jays (1993-98) San Diego Padres (1999-2001, 2005-06) and St. Louis Cardinals (2001-04), prior to returning home to conclude his 15-season major league career with the Houston Astros (2007).
Although Williams had the best seasons of his lengthy career with the Padres and Cardinals, including a 2004 World Series appearance, the Cy-Fair High School product routinely follows the Astros.
The former pitcher admits he prefers the National League, but believes the Astros' move to the AL in 2013 will create a little excitement.
"It is a little different," Williams said. "I prefer the game in the National League. It's a better brand of ball. I do think it could bring some excitement in Houston that hasn't been here for a while. Hopefully, the Astros can adjust well to the AL and build from there."
Williams continues to enjoy life.
He recently concluded a successful coaching tenure at Fort Bend Baptist Academy (now Fort Bend Christian Academy) in Sugar Land.
His team reached the TAPPS 4A semifinals in 2010 and 2011.
At this point, Williams is taking a break from coaching in order to spend quality time with his family and concentrate on other endeavors.
"I'm not coaching right now," he said. "I did it for three years. I have a son who is a junior in high school. I am spending time with family."
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