Bump Wills

Elliott Taylor "Bump" Wills (born July 27, 1952) is an American former professional baseball player, a second baseman in the major leagues for the Texas Rangers (1977–1981) and Chicago Cubs. He also played two seasons in Japan for the Hankyu Braves (1983–84).

Wills is the son of a major league shortstop who later managed the Seattle Mariners.

Playing career A switch hitter, Wills played college baseball at Arizona State University under College Baseball Hall of Fame coach Jim Brock. As a major league rookie in 1977, he was on the cover of Sports Illustrated only the second time this feat has ever occurred in a major league game, and the only time on consecutive pitches. Harrah's came on a drive to the right-center field gap; on the play, Yankee outfielder Lou Piniella hit the wall and was injured. By the time another player was able to retrieve the ball, Harrah was being waved home. Wills' HR came on a drive to center field over the head of Mickey Rivers; both were off reliever Ken Clay. Earlier that year at spring training in Florida, Wills controversially replaced Lenny Randle at second base, which led to Randle's punching Rangers manager Frank Lucchesi in the face, sending him to the hospital with a facial fracture.

Like his father Maury, Wills was respected for his speed. In 1978, Wills stole 52 bases, breaking Dave Nelson's single-season franchise record of 51 in ; the number remains a Ranger record for stolen bases in a season.

After playing with the Chicago Cubs in 1982, Wills played the 1983–1984 seasons in Japan before retiring. His MLB career batting average was .266 with 36 home runs and 302 RBI.

Personal life Born in Washington, D.C., Wills grew up in Spokane, Washington, and graduated from Central Valley High School in 1970, where he was a three-sport star and later coached. but the league folded before ever playing.