Charlie Williamson

Charlie Williamson was a pitcher in Arizona Diamondbacks organization for two years ('99-'00). He was a key member of the 1999 Missoula Osprey team, which also included future big leaguers Lyle Overbay, J. D. Closser, and Duaner Sanchez. Williamson led the team in ERA [ [http://www.thebaseballcube.com/statistics/1999/10302.shtml 1999 Missoula Ospreys Statistics - The Baseball Cube ] ] (2.50) on their way to the Pioneer Baseball League Championship in their inaugural season. Despite being an undrafted sleeper and a promising first year in Rookie-level Missoula, his career was cut short in his second season after suffering a labrum tear.

Although not the closer of the team, Williamson achieved cult hero status on the '99 team. His unique fame led the Osprey to invite Williamson, along with Overbay and D'Backs big league manager Buck Showalter, to the first annual Hot Stove Banquet in January, 2000 [ [http://www.missoulaosprey.com/news/?id=1386 Missoula Osprey: Home ] ] . He was best known for his sprint from the bullpen, a bizarre pre-inning ritual, and a strange submarine pitch. These antics on the mound began as a pitcher for Arizona State University. [cite web|url=http://www.asu.edu/studentaffairs/studentmedia/archives/1999/99spr/sp/sp990409/sports07.html|title=Wacky Williamson resident goofball of ASU baseball team|accessdate=2008-05-30]

Before transferring to ASU, he spent three years at Northwestern University, from where he would eventually graduate. Williamson is currently the Lead Trainer for the Positive Coaching Alliance in Chicago. He also works as the Roving Pitching Instructor for the Chicago White Sox Training Academy [http://www.bullssoxacademy.com] . Some of the most successful pitchers he has worked with include Jon Switzer and Kyle Kaminska [cite web|url=http://www.gsohoppers.com/press/game/articles/052008%20Game%20Recap.asp|title=Kaminska No-Hits Lakewood Through Six Complete|accessdate=2008-05-30]

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