Ken Williams (June 28, 1890 – January 22, 1959) was one of the state’s first Major Leaguers, spending 14 seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Browns and Boston Red Sox as a top-flight hitter and base stealer.
Born in Grant's Pass, Williams didn’t find his way to professional baseball until 1913, when he was already 23. He left school and went to work after the 8th grade. Ken’s success traveling the state in semipro ball got a lot of attention, even though he wore homemade cleats. Williams was six feet tall, fast and swung a heavy 48 ounce the bat.
He first signed with Regina of the Western Canada League, playing every position and batting from both sides of the plate. Then it was onto Spokane in the Northwest League.
After starting the 1915 season with a .340 average he earned time with the Cincinnati Reds but didn’t become a Major League regular until 1919 with the Browns at age 29.
In the following 11 years, Williams hit .300 or better 10 times, stole 149 bases and 196 home runs. In 1922, Williams outshined the great Babe Ruth after Ruth missed 11 games under suspension. His 39 home runs and 155 RBI led the American League. The Browns finished in 2nd place, just one game behind Ruth’s Yankees. He also stole 37 bases, becoming the first player to hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bases. Williams hit three home runs and drove in six in one game against the White Sox.
In 1929, the Red Sox released him following an injury, and Ken closed his career with two seasons in Portland, retiring in 1931 at age 41.
In all or part of 14 seasons in the Majors, Williams had 1,552 hits, hit 196 homers, drove in 913 runs, stole 154 bases and finished with a .319 average. In a total of four seasons with the Beavers, Williams hit .321 with 71 homers.
In retirement, Williams returned to Grants Pass where he served as a policeman and opened a bar.
