Born in Wadena, Indiana, Williams attended Notre Dame where he studied architecture and played football with the legendary Knute Rockne. His hitting prowess caught the attention of the Chicago Cubs who purchased his contract after he graduated from college. From 1915-1927 he was a consistent power hitting center fielder, leading the National League in home runs four times during his career. He was the first NL player to hit 200 career home runs; he finished his career with 251. He is also one of three players to be born before 1900 and hit 200 homers in his career (Babe Ruth and Rogers Hornsby are the other two)