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Minnesota Today®

Walz to honor St. Paul Rondo baseball legend Billy Williams

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Billy Williams was born in the Rondo community in St. Paul in 1877 and was a standout baseball player on several integrated teams in Minnesota. In 1904, he was the only Black player on the St. Paul Amateur Baseball Association team and the team’s captain, according to the Ramsey County Historical Society.

Williams was a star on and off the field. He went on to work at the Minnesota State Capitol for Gov. John A. Johnson in 1905. He worked for 14 governors until he retired in 1957. He’s being honored Saturday with a proclamation from Gov. Tim Walz, and the St. Paul Saints will wear special uniforms at their game to commemorate Williams.

This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.