3/19 All in the family

Hall of Famer Billy Williams will be going to Cooperstown for more than the induction of Andre Dawson. Williams’ 12-year-old grandson, Jaran Simpson, who is a shortstop, will be playing in a Dream Game with a team from Wheaton and Naperville.

Jaran isn’t Williams’ only grandchild with some athletic talent. He has another grandson, William Hill, who is an outfielder on the Chicago State baseball team. Granddaughter Nicolette Simpson is a center fielder for the University of Illinois softball team. Another grandson, Kendall Simpson, is a catcher. “I call him ‘Campanella,’” Williams said.

He also has another grandson, Christian, who is a first baseman, and a granddaughter, Jasmine, who competes in track and field at the University of Iowa.

“I guess it’s in their blood,” Williams said.

– Carrie Muskat