Ben Williamson drew his own trading card at Everett Memorial Stadium two years ago. Now he's playing in the World Series.
The Everett AquaSox posted on X on Monday, Oct. 26, with a throwback to the moment, calling Williamson's path "From Everett AquaSox artist to 2026 World Series Participant." The post featured a photo from the 2024 Education Day game when the infielder sketched his own card for the promotion.
Williamson, a second-round pick by the Seattle Mariners in the 2023 draft out of the College of William & Mary, was the AquaSox opening day third baseman in 2024.
He appeared in 29 games for Everett before a promotion to Double-A Arkansas, according to the team's MiLB page.
His rise was fast. The Mariners called him up in April 2025, and he made his major league debut that season.
After helping Seattle reach the American League Championship Series, Williamson was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in the offseason as part of a three-way deal involving Brendan Donovan, according to Lookout Landing.
With the Rays, Williamson spent the 2026 season as a utility infielder, splitting time between second base and shortstop. He hit .238 with three home runs and eight stolen bases in 88 games.
Tampa Bay beat the Cleveland Guardians in the ALCS to reach the Fall Classic against the Milwaukee Brewers. Williamson started three of the six ALCS games and produced one of the series' biggest highlights: a diving stop that robbed seven-time All-Star José Ramírez of a base hit. ESPN's SportsCenter named the play to its Top 10 of the day, according to William & Mary athletics.
In the World Series, the Brewers won Game 1 on Friday, Oct. 23, at American Family Field, 3-2. They took Game 2 on Saturday, Oct. 24, rallying from a four-run deficit to win 5-4. Williamson entered Game 2 as a pinch-hitter in the ninth inning and grounded out to advance a runner, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The series shifted to Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla., for Game 3 on Monday, Oct. 26. The Rays trail the series 2-0.
