Billy Williams: The Unsung Champion Behind the 'Good, Better, Best' Chant
Chicago Cubs Hall of Famer Billy Williams has been synonymous with the team's mantra "good, better, best" for decades. While many attribute its origin to Bears coach Ben Johnson, the truth is that Williams was singing from the same hymn sheet – or rather, chant – long before Johnson took the field.
For Williams, the phrase was more than just a motivational tool; it was a guiding principle forged in his youth. Growing up at Mobile County Training School, which didn't even have a baseball team, but excelled in football, Williams repeated the words to himself as he blossomed into a star athlete. The mantra stuck with him throughout his 18-year major league career, serving as a driving force behind his desire to succeed.
In fact, Williams made Principal Lillie Dixon of Whistler (Ala.) Elementary School a centerpiece of his Hall of Fame induction speech in 1987. Dixon had been the source of the phrase for Williams since he was just a young student, and it evoked fond memories of her school assemblies that ended with the now-famous words.
Williams' connection to the chant runs deeper still. The 1969 Cubs, who narrowly missed the postseason despite his star performance, included two players from Mobile County Training School – Tommie Agee and Cleon Jones – on their roster. Though they ultimately came up short against the Miracle Mets, Williams' dedication to the phrase remained unwavering.
Fast-forward to today, and while Johnson has popularized "good, better, best" in Chicago sports circles, it's clear that Williams was the one who started it all. The 87-year-old legend now finds himself on the other side of the rivalry, watching quarterback Caleb Williams – no relation – take the field for the NFC North champions.
While Williams may not be territorial about his chant, he does appreciate its motivational power and how players have begun to accept it as a rallying cry. When asked about Johnson's use of the phrase, Williams flashed his football chops, noting the importance of a strong offensive line in their success.
As the Cubs prepare for Sunday's matchup against the Rams, Williams is ready to join in on the "good, better, best" chant once more. It's clear that this phrase has become an integral part of Chicago sports culture – and Billy Williams, its unsung champion, couldn't be happier about it.
Chicago Cubs Hall of Famer Billy Williams has been synonymous with the team's mantra "good, better, best" for decades. While many attribute its origin to Bears coach Ben Johnson, the truth is that Williams was singing from the same hymn sheet – or rather, chant – long before Johnson took the field.
For Williams, the phrase was more than just a motivational tool; it was a guiding principle forged in his youth. Growing up at Mobile County Training School, which didn't even have a baseball team, but excelled in football, Williams repeated the words to himself as he blossomed into a star athlete. The mantra stuck with him throughout his 18-year major league career, serving as a driving force behind his desire to succeed.
In fact, Williams made Principal Lillie Dixon of Whistler (Ala.) Elementary School a centerpiece of his Hall of Fame induction speech in 1987. Dixon had been the source of the phrase for Williams since he was just a young student, and it evoked fond memories of her school assemblies that ended with the now-famous words.
Williams' connection to the chant runs deeper still. The 1969 Cubs, who narrowly missed the postseason despite his star performance, included two players from Mobile County Training School – Tommie Agee and Cleon Jones – on their roster. Though they ultimately came up short against the Miracle Mets, Williams' dedication to the phrase remained unwavering.
Fast-forward to today, and while Johnson has popularized "good, better, best" in Chicago sports circles, it's clear that Williams was the one who started it all. The 87-year-old legend now finds himself on the other side of the rivalry, watching quarterback Caleb Williams – no relation – take the field for the NFC North champions.
While Williams may not be territorial about his chant, he does appreciate its motivational power and how players have begun to accept it as a rallying cry. When asked about Johnson's use of the phrase, Williams flashed his football chops, noting the importance of a strong offensive line in their success.
As the Cubs prepare for Sunday's matchup against the Rams, Williams is ready to join in on the "good, better, best" chant once more. It's clear that this phrase has become an integral part of Chicago sports culture – and Billy Williams, its unsung champion, couldn't be happier about it.
I gotta say, I love how this story highlights Billy Williams' impact on the 'good, better, best' chant! It's amazing to think that something he learned as a kid in football ended up becoming such an iconic part of Chicago sports culture 
. And can you believe it was basically his go-to motivational tool for 18 years straight? That's some serious dedication 
! Now, I know Billy might not be super excited about the rivalry with Ben Johnson and all, but I think he's doing a great job supporting Caleb Williams (no relation 
). Either way, I'm all for the 'good, better, best' chant – it's infectious and always gets me pumped up for sports games! 
and what's with these nfl quarterbacks they're all so same sauce like calvin johnson or josh allen but Caleb Williams seems different he's got some crazy arm strength 
I feel for this dude, Billy Williams is like a legend who was already doing his thing back in the day. He took something simple from his childhood and made it into a whole thing. It's pretty cool that he's still got a connection to it even after all these years. The fact that he's accepting of Ben Johnson using it now shows that he's okay with sharing the spotlight, which is awesome. I love how he tied it back to his own experiences growing up and finding motivation in those words. It's a reminder that our roots can shape us into who we are today, and sometimes all it takes is a little something from our past to bring us joy. 
he's literally been singing that song since he was a kid at mobile county training school!! and now it's become a part of chicago sports culture lol what's crazy is that ben johnson might've popularized it but williams was already rocking it years ago 
I'm like so stoked that people are finally giving B-Dawg 
I mean, Ben Johnson might be trying to steal the spotlight now but let's be real, BBW was the OG 
His connection to the phrase is everything and more 
Now we get to see him rocking it in the stands at Soldier Field 
Go Cubs! 
. It's so cool to see how he passed it on to the next gen of athletes, and now it's become a part of Chicago sports culture 
. I mean, I can imagine Williams singing those words along with Caleb Williams (no relation) when they play together - it's like a beautiful passing of legacy 
.
. The Cubs are going to crush those Rams this Sunday! 
. I mean, come on, it's been around since Williams was a kid, but Johnson's definitely made it a big part of Chicago sports culture now 
. And can we talk about how weird it is that there are two different QBs named Caleb Williams in the NFL? That's just crazy! 
. I mean, Billy Williams was definitely important, but let's not forget Tommie Agee and Cleon Jones from Mobile County Training School were part of that 1969 Cubs team too 
. And can you imagine how many times that guy sang those words to himself when he was on the team? Like, what if he actually said them out loud at the top of his lungs during games? 
. So, let's give credit where credit is due... Billy Williams is the real "unsung champion" here 
.
anyway i think billy williams is the real OG for that phrase and its awesome he gets to be a part of chicago sports culture again. but gotta say, ben johnson's use of it is pretty cool too 
can you imagine being in the stadium and hearing those words echo through the speakers? would give me chills