Position: pitcher Bats: left Throws: right

William was born in 1919 in Toccoa, Georgia. He moved to Birmingham, Alabama when he was nine years old. His first job would come at the age of 17. The American Cast Iron and Pipe Company (ACIPCO) employed him. William loved baseball and it was here that his career would begin in the Industrial Leagues. He worked and played ball until his life was temporarily routed in a different direction.

In 1942 he entered the Army where he would be assigned to the 234th Army Aircraft Unit. He would play some baseball in the service before being discharged while stationed in Saigon.

In 1945 William would join with the Birmingham Black Barons. He enjoyed his teammates very much, but it was the devoted fans that were most memorable for him. They were a faithful bunch, cheering from the edge of their seats, unable to leave the stadium until the final out was called. All of the games were unique for William, but one in particular stands out in his mind. It was one of the greatest comebacks that he ever witnessed. Indianapolis had the Barons 10-1; sheer determination brought them to an 11-10 win. It would be one base hit after another they just couldn't be stopped leaving them with a sweet taste of victory.

In 1948, the Barons would win the pennant 2-1 over Kansas City. Powell had a good curve and slider, but as a 3/4 arm pitcher his best pitch would be his fastball. He was always well prepared to play ball, he trained hard ate a healthy diet and got plenty of rest. William always had a winning attitude he would keep his confidence level high by staying in great shape, but more importantly it was his love of the game that was the motivational ingredient to his success on the filed. William was a 20- game winner for three years in a row. In 1949 he would be selected to play in the East-West all-star game. He was the starting pitcher, picking up the win, allowing only one hit in three shut out innings. He would make a return trip as an all-star where he pitched the last three innings for the west claiming a 5-3 victory.

It was with fondest memories in 1951 that he would leave the Birmingham Black Barons and sign with the Sacramento Saints in the Pacific Coast League and Colorado Springs in the Western League. In 1952 and 1953 he played for the American Association and split his 1954 season between Toronto and Havana in the International League. He went on to pitch seven more years in the minor Leagues winding up his career with the Sally League (South Atlantic League).

William began his civilian life pursuing a sales career. He was a sharp dresser, always presenting himself very well. People liked and trusted him. The sales business was a good choice for him.

William has many good friends and he holds them all in high regard. He enjoys speaking of the many talents of one man in particular, Lyman Bostock. Lyman is a fellow Negro Leaguer and NLB Living Legend. He is a great man with a great baseball past, and an incredible talent and ability to carve masterpieces out of wood. Friends have always been important to William. He lost his best friend and wife Adessa in 1997 after 46 years of marriage. The two were joined in 1951 and to this very day, years after she departed, remain together in his fond and loving memories.

A few words of advice from Mr. Powell...
"Try every day to make a friend." "Be a friend and you'll make one." "Put God on your side and you'll make it in this world."