The other day I received a package from Kenny, aka Zippy Zappy, my favorite Yankees trading partner. This had to be the most interesting package I have ever received from him. It was just one card in a magnetic holder and something else. Here it is:
Williamson is best known as the 1999 NL Rookie of the Year when he was with the Cincinnati Reds. That season he was 12-7 with 19 saves as a relief pitcher. He had a 2.41 ERA and struck out 107 in 93.1 innings. He played with the Reds into the 2003 season when he was traded to the Red Sox just prior to the trading deadline. He pitched in 24 games with the Red Sox, but had a 6.20 ERA, not terribly great. But he was terrific in the postseason that year. He became Boston's most reliable reliever. He pitched in all five ALDS games against Oakland, winning two games and striking out eight batters in five scoreless innings. Against the Yankees in the ALCS, he picked up the save in each of Boston's wins and struck out six in three innings, giving up just a single run. Williamson looked like he was building off of his success in 2004, but an injury derailed his season for a couple of months. He ended up pitching in just 28 games, but had a terrific 1.26 ERA. He left as a free agent after the season and bounced around a little, never being able to match his early career success.
Thanks so much, Kenny!
That's a really awesome IP auto! Most excellent Zippy Zapping!
ReplyDeleteIn the time I've been a collector I've slowly come to realize how much more meaningful personalized autographs can be. Glad you liked this. Very few can say they own a Williamson autograph in general, much less an inscribed one to them.
ReplyDeleteMost impressive! That's got to make your day (or year).
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