Former USC Salkehatchie Indian Ali Williams, now with the Kansas City Royals organization, recently garnered attention from Baseball America.
Williams was recently named “Closest to the Majors” as well as “Most Intriguing Background” in a recent review of the Royals’ 2011 draft class by Baseball America. The Sumter, S.C., native has a fastball that reaches 96 mph as well as a “decent” slider that could see him move to the bullpen quickly. Williams earned “Most Intriguing Background” due to his relationship to Hall of Famer Larry Doby, the first black player in the American League. Doby is a cousin of Williams’ father.
A right-handed pitcher, Williams played two seasons at USC Salkehatchie, prior to transfering to Charleston Southern University. Williams was taken by the Royals in the 34th round of the 2011 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft.
Williams made his professional debut with Arizona League Royals on July 9, pitching 2.1 innings and giving up one run off of two hits with six strikeouts. He finished the season 1-1 with an ERA of 3.89, striking out 35 batters and giving up 43 hits and 16 earned runs in 13 games.
Williams was recently named “Closest to the Majors” as well as “Most Intriguing Background” in a recent review of the Royals’ 2011 draft class by Baseball America. The Sumter, S.C., native has a fastball that reaches 96 mph as well as a “decent” slider that could see him move to the bullpen quickly. Williams earned “Most Intriguing Background” due to his relationship to Hall of Famer Larry Doby, the first black player in the American League. Doby is a cousin of Williams’ father.
A right-handed pitcher, Williams played two seasons at USC Salkehatchie, prior to transfering to Charleston Southern University. Williams was taken by the Royals in the 34th round of the 2011 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft.
Williams made his professional debut with Arizona League Royals on July 9, pitching 2.1 innings and giving up one run off of two hits with six strikeouts. He finished the season 1-1 with an ERA of 3.89, striking out 35 batters and giving up 43 hits and 16 earned runs in 13 games.
