Earl Williams died of leukemia at age 64. He had a short but interesting career. He won the rookie of the year award in 1971, but didn’t last a full decade in the game:

But during spring training in 1978, he was waived by the A’s and not claimed by any other team — a surprising turn, especially to Williams. That June he took the remarkable step of placing a job-seeking advertisement in The New York Times.

“Employment wanted by baseball player,” the ad said, adding: “Excellent Health — No Police Record. HAVE BAT — WILL TRAVEL — WILL HUSTLE.”

His OBP plummeted after 1975, which combined with his inability to get along with managers and coaches, pushed him out of the game.

My thoughts go out to his family and friends.