The Chicago Cubs’ sell-off was already well underway by the time Billy Williams was dealt to the Oakland Athletics on Oct. 23, 1974.
Fergie Jenkins had been traded before the season, as had Ron Santo, Glenn Beckert and Randy Hundley, leaving only Williams and Don Kessinger from the 1969 lineup you knew by heart.
Despite spending his entire professional career in the Cubs organization, Williams was philosophical after the deal was announced. He was headed to a great A’s team with a chance to finally win a ring, and the Cubs were ready for a reset after the slow-motion demise from 1969-73.