Former White Sox outfielder Walt No-Neck Williams dies

In an era when ballplayers had nicknames such as “Catfish,” “Blue Moon” and “Goose,” former White Sox outfielder Walt Williams might have the best one of them all.

Though he never warmed up to the name, everyone knew him as “No-Neck.” Asked how he got such a nickname, Williams once said: “Cuz I got no neck.”

Williams, who played for the White Sox from 1967-72, died Saturday in Abilene, Texas, the White Sox confirmed Wednesday. He was 72.

Williams, who stood 5-6 and weighed 165 pounds during his playing days, broke in with the old Houston Colt 45s in 1964. He ended his career with stints playing for the Cleveland Indians and New York Yankees, where he ended his career in 1975.

Williams’ best season was 1969, when he finished sixth in the American League with a .304 batting average.

Services will be held Saturday in Brownwood, Texas.