Castleton Park Ballfield Named After NL Rookie Of The Year Earl Williams
The ball field at Castleton Park has been renamed in honor of late township resident Earl Williams, who in 1971 was Major League Baseball’s National League Rookie of the Year.
Williams, who lived in the township for more than 20 years, died in January of 2013.
The Township Council voted to rename the park’s ball field after Williams following an emotional presentation of a commendation to Williams’ widow and family.
Born in Newark, Williams was drafted by the Milwaukee Braves and also played with the Baltimore Orioles, Montreal Expos and Oakland Athletics as a catcher and first baseman.
He also played in the Mexican League, where he was rookie of the year in 1979.
Speaking of her late husband, Linda Williams said he “was a great guy. He was always asking if anybody needed help.”
“He always wanted to see kids on the baseball field,” she said.
One of Williams’ cousins, Maria Aquino of Somerset, said, “We loved him so much and we miss him so much.”