Williams off to solid start in new pro season

Houma native Justin Williams just keeps on shinin’ in the world of professional baseball. 

The Terrebonne High School graduate and member of the Tampa Bay Rays farm system has enjoyed a big week for the Montgomery Biscuits, further positioning himself as one of the top prospects in the organization.

On Tuesday night, Williams launched a game-winning home run into orbit in the top of the ninth inning, which broke a 4-all tie and gave Montgomery the lead for good in a 6-4 win. 

A day later, he was back at it, reaching base twice in five plate appearances, while recording another RBI.

“It’s just an honor and a blessing to be able to play this game every day,” Williams said over the winter while training for the season. “I’m working hard, trying to put my best foot forward and trying to show up to the park every day with a mindset that I’m going to be getting closer and closer to my dream, which is to play in a game at the highest level in the Big Leagues.”

Williams has definitely made strides toward making that lofty wish a reality.

He’s widely regarded as one of the top young players in Tampa’s system – a player who the team is expecting to count on heavily in the future.

Still just 21 years old, Williams is listed as the No. 10-ranked prospect in Tampa’s farm system, which is regarded as one of the top in Major League Baseball.

In spring training, Williams played a couple games for the Rays’ Major League club, suiting up alongside Evan Longoria, Chris Archer, Tim Beckham and the team’s other players. 

But at the end of spring training, he went back to the Biscuits at the AA-level, which is two steps below the MLB.

Williams played for the Biscuits for 39 games to end last season, batting .250 with six home runs and 28 RBI.

This season, he’s been better, owning a .265 average with two home runs and 7 RBI in 12 games to start the season. 

Justin Williams

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