Williams rewarded with huge contract December 3, 2000
Galena, IL--Matthew Peck and the Galena Hamsters held a press conference
earlier this morning, announcing that the team has extended the contract of
right fielder Bernie Williams. Williams, 29, came over to Galena from
Mississauga after the 1998 baseball season--the year Galena won the world
series. The specifics of the contract was not disclosed at the press
conference, but it is reported that it is a $30 million, 3 year deal with a
mutual option of $13 million for the 4th year.
Williams came into his own in 2000, his second year with the Hamsters,
by becoming the first Hamster player to join the 30-30 club and enjoying a
career season. Williams had 33 home runs and 31 stolen bases during the
regular season, playing in 153 contests. Williams was considered one of the
top contenders to win the EL MVP, along with teammate Chipper Jones, who put
together another incredible campaign, playing in all of the Hamsters' games,
again proving his iron-man status.
"I'm honored that the Galena organization thinks highly enough of me to
give me this contract extension," exclaimed Williams at the press
conference, "I could have become a free agent, but Peck and the Galena
franchise made it clear to me that they didn't want me to go anywhere. They
wanted me to stay in Galena--to be a Hamster."
"We're not afraid to give quality players the rewards they deserve,"
claimed owner/GM Peck, "our goal is to win, and that means keeping a strong
nucleus of players together that can compete against anyone. We believe that
is what we're doing here in Galena. We expect loyalty from our players, and
they should expect loyalty from us. We take care of our own. Once you're a
Hamster, you're a Hamster for life, even if you leave Galena..."
The signing of Bernie Williams may mean that less funds are available
for re-signing FA Kevin Stocker. Stocker also had a career year in 2000 and
is reportedly seeking a multi-year contract in the $7 mil/year range.
