Cubs to erect Billy Williams statue

MESA, Ariz., March 31 (UPI) -- The Chicago Cubs announced plans Wednesday to erect a statue of the likeness of Cubs' icon Billy Williams outside the team's home of Wrigley Field.

The Cubs said the statue would be unveiled before their Sept. 7 game. It will be the third statue outside Wrigley Field. Ernie Banks and Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Caray are already immortalized with statues at the iconic ballpark.

Williams played all but two of his 18 major league seasons with the Cubs and has spent more than 40 years with the organization. As a player, he won the 1961 National League Rookie of the Year award while with Chicago and earned six All-Star selections while playing primarily left field. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1987 and had his uniform No. 26 retired.

"I am extremely appreciative and humbled by this tremendous honor from the Cubs," Williams, 72, said. "I have spent nearly my entire professional career in this organization and am thankful to the Ricketts family for this wonderful gesture. My family and I could not be more excited for the statue's unveiling later this year."