Guide Note:Major League Baseball starting pitcher Woody Williams retired from the Houston Astros on March 29, 2008.

Prior to his MLB career, Williams attended the University of Houston. He was then drafted on June 1, 1988 by the Toronto Blue Jays. After spending some time with the Blue Jays' minor league affiliates, Williams made his MLB debut on May 14, 1993. Williams split the next five seasons between the Blue Jays and their minor league teams. On December 12, 1998, he was traded to the San Diego Padres. Williams pitched a total of 79 games, starting for the Padres over the next two and a half seasons. The Padres traded him to the St. Louis Cardinals on August 2, 2001. Williams had his most successful seasons to date while with the Cardinals and was rewarded with an All-Star selection in 2003. The following year he pitched in the 2004 World Series, which the Cardinals lost to the Boston Red Sox. Following the 2004 season, Williams was granted free agency and signed as a free agent with the San Diego Padres. He averaged 25 games and 150 innings each over the next two seasons with the Padres, including playing in the National League Divisional Series each year.

After the 2006 season, he was again granted free agency and signed with the Houston Astros on November 24, 2006. Williams played only 58 games total over the next two seasons, winning only 20 of those. After a poor showing during spring training in 2008, he was cut by the Astros. At age 41, Williams announced his retirement on March 29, 2008. Fast Facts:

1. Full name: Gregory Scott Williams
2. Born: August 19, 1966
3. Birthplace: Houston, Texas
4. Graduate of the University of Houston
5. Made MLB debut with the Toronto Blue Jays on May 14, 1993
6. 2003: Played in the All-Star game
7. 2004: Started first game of the World Series
8. Last game: September 22, 2007

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