Bob Will – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Bob Will took his last at-bat in the majors on June 12, 1963, suiting up for the Chicago Cubs one final time against the San Francisco Giants. The left-handed outfielder from Berwyn, Illinois wrapped up a six-year career that stretched from 1957 to 1963, all with the Cubs organization.

Will’s retirement quietly closed the book on a steady, if not headline-grabbing, career. He finished with a .247 batting average, 9 home runs, and 87 RBIs in 410 games. His path from a local Illinois high school player to the big leagues echoed the hopes of many young ballplayers, though he faced both the doors that opened and the tough realities of playing at baseball’s highest level.

He debuted as a 25-year-old rookie and played his last season at 31, carving out a spot in professional baseball during a time when the game itself was changing. Will spent his entire career with the Cubs during an era of transition for the sport, and his story gives a glimpse into what it meant to be a major leaguer in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Early Life and Background

Bob Will started his baseball journey in the Chicago suburbs, honing his skills at Morton High School before playing college ball at Northwestern University. Those early years built the base for what eventually became a six-year stint with the Chicago Cubs.

Birthplace and Family Roots

Robert Lee Will was born July 15, 1931, in Berwyn, Illinois, just west of Chicago. That community gave him a strong start, especially growing up during the Great Depression.

He grew up in a typical family in Berwyn, where kids had plenty of chances to play sports.

Being so close to Chicago, Will got exposed to pro baseball early on. The city’s baseball scene, with both the Cubs and White Sox, probably fueled his love for the game.

As a kid, his athleticism stood out. Will measured 5’10” and weighed 175 pounds, which was a solid frame for an outfielder back then.

High School and College Baseball

Will attended J.S. Morton High School West in Berwyn and started turning heads with his baseball ability. The school’s sports programs gave him a chance to develop as a left-handed batter and thrower.

During high school, college scouts noticed his talent. He played well enough to catch their attention and set himself up for a future in baseball.

After Morton, Will headed to Northwestern University to keep playing and studying. Competing in the Big Ten pushed him to face top-tier college players.

At Northwestern, Will sharpened his outfield skills while juggling academics. The program let him test himself against strong competition.

Amateur Achievements

Will’s amateur career set the stage for his pro debut with the Cubs on April 16, 1957, at 25. His steady growth through high school and college made him a real prospect.

Scouts liked his left-handed swing and arm, and those traits became his calling card as a major leaguer.

All that work in his amateur years paid off when he joined the Cubs. Will spent 11 years total with the organization, including his big league run from 1957 to 1963.

His amateur achievements aren’t documented in detail, but they clearly impressed the Cubs enough to sign him. Getting that contract with his hometown team capped off years of hard work from Berwyn to Northwestern.

Professional Baseball Career Overview

Bob Will played his entire Major League career with the Chicago Cubs from 1957 to 1963, making a name as a reliable outfielder over six seasons. He hit .247 with 9 home runs and 87 RBIs in 410 games, working mostly as a right fielder and pinch hitter.

Major League Debut with the Chicago Cubs

Will broke into the majors on April 16, 1957, at 25, facing the Milwaukee Braves. That rookie year was his busiest, with 70 games and 123 plate appearances.

He struggled at first, batting .223 and hitting just one homer in his debut season. He managed 25 hits in 112 at-bats.

Will only played six games in 1958, then missed the majors in 1959. He came back in 1960, which ended up being his best season.

In 1960, he played 138 games and racked up 534 plate appearances. Will batted .255 with 6 home runs and 53 RBIs, setting career highs across the board.

Key Positions and Playing Style

Will mostly played right field but also filled in at center and left, and even tried first base late in his career.

At 5’10” and 175 pounds, he fit the mold for an outfielder in that era. His left-handed swing and arm suited him for the outfield.

Defensive Stats:

• .986 career fielding percentage
• 335 career outfield putouts
• 11 career assists

Will’s flexibility made him a handy bench player. He often pinch-hit, especially as his starts dwindled later on.

Notable Career Highlights

Will’s top year was 1960, when he posted a .694 OPS and drove in 53 runs. He smacked 20 doubles and 9 triples, showing he could find the gaps.

He played his last MLB game on June 12, 1963, against the Giants, going 0-for-1 to close out his career at 31.

Over his career, Will put up steady, if modest, numbers. He struck out 119 times and drew 83 walks, showing some patience at the plate.

Career Totals:

• 410 games
• 202 hits
• 87 RBIs
• 9 home runs

Will was a classic role player for the Cubs in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s. He never became a star, but he gave the team useful depth and flexibility for six seasons.

Chicago Cubs Tenure

Bob Will played all seven of his MLB seasons with the Chicago Cubs from 1957 to 1963, taking part in 410 games and finishing with a .247 average. His best year came in 1960 as the regular right fielder, but his role shrank once Billy Williams arrived in 1961.

Statistical Achievements

Will’s stats paint the picture of a steady, if unspectacular, outfielder in Chicago. Over six seasons, he logged 202 hits in 819 at-bats, driving in 87 runs and scoring 87 times.

His best offensive year was 1960, when he set career highs: batting .255 with 121 hits, 20 doubles, 9 triples, and 6 home runs in 138 games.

He showed decent plate discipline, drawing 83 walks to 119 strikeouts. His .314 on-base percentage meant he found ways to get on base.

Will didn’t hit for much power—just 9 home runs in his career. His .344 slugging percentage reflected his contact-hitting style.

Noteworthy Seasons

The 1960 season was Will’s high point with the Cubs. He started 110 games in right field, playing in 138 total—the only time he was a regular starter.

That year, he got 534 plate appearances and slugged .373. His 9 triples showed off his speed and knack for hitting into the gaps.

In 1957, his rookie season at 25, he played 70 games and hit .223. The average wasn’t great, but he chipped in 25 hits and started making his mark.

The 1961 season changed things when Billy Williams joined the outfield. Will moved to the bench, seeing just 86 games and 130 plate appearances.

Role in Team Success

Will served as Chicago’s regular right fielder in 1960, starting 110 games while the Cubs finished 60-94. His solid defense made him valuable, even with average offense.

In 1960, he posted a .991 fielding percentage in right field, helping steady the Cubs’ outfield.

After Williams showed up in 1961, Will became a backup and pinch-hitter. He played 86 games in 1961 and 87 in 1962, providing some veteran presence.

Will’s time with the Cubs lasted 11 years overall, showing his loyalty to the franchise. His last MLB game came June 12, 1963, against the Giants.

1963 Season and Retirement

Bob Will’s final season in the majors wrapped up a seven-year run with the Cubs. That last year, he mostly rode the bench as a backup outfielder before hanging up his spikes.

Performance in Final Season

Will played in 23 games during the 1963 season, splitting time between home and away with little offense to show.

At Wrigley Field, he appeared in 11 games, got 13 at-bats, and managed 2 hits, batting .153. His on-base and slugging percentages matched at .153.

On the road, he played 12 games and got 2 hits in 10 at-bats, bumping his average to .200. He drew one walk, pushing his on-base percentage to .272.

Will’s last big league game happened on June 12, 1963, against the Giants. He went hitless in one at-bat, closing the book on his playing days at 31.

By 1963, Will had settled into a backup role. He’d moved to the bench after Billy Williams joined the outfield in 1961.

Retirement Announcement

Will retired from Major League Baseball after the 1963 season. He left the game quietly, as most backup players did back then.

The Cubs didn’t make a big deal about his exit. He just didn’t show up for the 1964 season, and that was that.

Will stepped away at 31 after seven years in the majors. His final line: .247 average, 9 home runs, and 87 RBIs in 410 games.

Context within the 1963 MLB Era

A lot of veterans left baseball in 1963. Will was one of several National League players who ended their careers that year.

The sport was changing. Teams were bringing in younger players, and older guys like Will found fewer opportunities.

The Cubs were rebuilding, focusing on their youth instead of keeping aging backups.

Will’s retirement showed just how tough it is to stick in the majors. If you couldn’t secure regular playing time, your career could end fast.

Legacy and Influence on Baseball

Bob Will’s seven years with the Cubs didn’t make headlines, but he left a real impact on the organization and those around him. He spent eleven years with the Cubs and stayed involved with the Major League Baseball Alumni Association, showing his lasting connection to the game.

Impact on Teammates and Fans

Will’s role as a pinch hitter and right fielder made him a steady presence for the Cubs from 1957 to 1963. His left-handed bat added depth to the lineup.

Cubs fans liked his workmanlike approach. He was the kind of player who put in the effort, even if he didn’t chase the spotlight.

His athletic versatility and attitude earned him respect in the clubhouse. Managers knew they could count on him to step in when needed.

Will’s local roots made him even more relatable. Born in Berwyn and later living in Woodstock, he kept strong ties to the Chicago area throughout his life.

Contributions Beyond Playing

After he retired from baseball in 1963, Will jumped into banking and stuck with it for 29 years. He managed to bring the discipline from his sports career right into the business world.

Will chased higher education at Northwestern University and Minnesota State University. He even went to the University of Wisconsin Graduate School of Banking, which really shows how much he cared about learning outside of baseball.

His charitable work throughout the Chicagoland area became a big part of his life after baseball. Will spent a lot of time helping people in his community.

He stayed involved as a member of the Major League Baseball Alumni Association. That kept him close to former players and the wider baseball world.

Recognition and Remembrance

People in the baseball community remembered Will warmly after he died on August 11, 2011, at 80. His obituary mentioned both his baseball achievements and his community contributions.

Will had an 11-year association with the Cubs organization that went well beyond his years on the field. The team clearly valued what he brought to the franchise.

His work with the MLB Alumni Association helped keep former players connected. Will joined events that celebrated baseball history and supported retired players.

Life After Retirement

After Bob Will left professional baseball in 1963, he kept his ties to the sport and his community. He stayed connected with the Chicago Cubs and got involved in different activities right up until his passing in 2011.

Professional Endeavors Outside Baseball

Not much information is out there about Bob Will’s exact career after baseball. Unlike some players who go into coaching or broadcasting, Will seemed to look for opportunities outside the game.

We don’t really have a detailed picture of his career path after retirement. Still, it’s clear he stayed involved with the Chicago Cubs in some way for several years.

He later became a member of the Major League Baseball Alumni Association. That group helps former players stay in touch with baseball and offers different benefits to retired players.

Will’s post-baseball career lasted almost five decades. He spent most of his post-retirement life in the Chicago area.

Personal Life and Community Involvement

Bob Will kept close to his Illinois roots as he got older. He settled down in Woodstock, Illinois, and spent his final years there.

As a former Chicago Cubs outfielder, he stayed involved with the sport by joining alumni events and community activities. Baseball clearly remained a big deal to him long after his playing days.

Will studied at both Mankato State University and Northwestern University. That academic background probably helped him in his life after baseball.

People in baseball circles respected him. Old teammates and colleagues remembered him as someone who never lost his passion for the game.

Passing and Legacy Recap

Bob Will passed away on August 11, 2011, at age 80 in Woodstock, Illinois. Cancer took his life.

He played 410 MLB games and finished with a .247 batting average. Across his career, he racked up 202 hits, knocked out 9 home runs, and brought in 87 runs.

Will really found his stride in 1960, showing up in 117 games as the Cubs’ regular right fielder. That season was the only time he got steady playing time in the majors.

The Chicago Cubs and the baseball community felt his loss. His passing closed the chapter on a life deeply tied to both baseball and the people around him.