I hope you are playing ball with Slick, Sabrina, and Daisy. Sending love. I think of you often, and I smile.

Still missing you and all the great athletic  sport students we had at Linton HS from the late 50"s to '80's. 90's 2000.  Many have passed 
and no longer alive, some of their children have taken up the  sport agenda, their Dad's  were great at.

Time moves on Billy, memories  still linger,  The world is such a different place in 2024,  I think most of us would take those HS years back in a minute.
Rest in "Baseball" peace


Your loving friend, Sandie N

I will always cherish the great times we shared. You were always so wonderful to me and my boys. From the time when Terri and Jack introduced us until now, I love and miss you!

In 2016, I wrote a book, Long Before the Miracle...the Making of the New York Mets. I interviewed Billy and it was a joy since we both hail from Schenectady, NY.
A few years later on a visit there to see my sister, I happened to go by the Little League stadium on Michigan Avenue. It's where Billy starred as a kid along with Jim Barbieri. Both played in the Majors. I also had the joy of interviewing Jim for my book.
When at the stadium, I called Billy at his home in Florida. I said, "Billy, take a guess where I'm at?" He answered, "Schenectady?" I said, "Yes, but where, exactly?" He didn't know. I then said, "I'm at the Little League stadium in the bullpen. I'm looking at the pitching rubber -- a place you warmed up at as a kid." I could tell he was touched when he said, "How's the field look?"

A notice came up this morning about your obituary., surprised me,
and the fact it has been three years since your passing.  Does not mean you have not been thought about.l  Not sure you would have liked living w/pandemic we had for a year and a half!
Anyway, you are still remembered for all the super qualities you gave, to a life well lived.
Love,
Sandie

I miss you and your laughter. You were loved by many! 

I remember Billy when he played baseball for the Tacoma Cubs in 1967 or was it 1966. He was so kind to many of us kids-...taking us out for pizza after a game. I was fortunate to see him through the years when he coached at Seattle and New York.  He was always so gracious to leave tickets for my friends and I. It was always good to see him. Sorry to say we lost touch in recent years but always talked to him on his birthday. Condolences to his many friends and family. Oh the stories he would tell about Lucy his parrot and his cleaning lady. Rest In Peace my longtime friend.

Billy and and we're very good friends since high school. I miss him so much . He had a heart of gold.  His mom gave  me a cross when we were in high school where after my mom gave him a Jewish star. When he pitched for the Mets, people asked if he was jewish as the star would pop out of his shirt. I dont think he ever knew how much he meant to me. I am devistated that he's gone.  I have so much to talk to him about.
Linda Silverman Sandner



I met Billy when I worked as a server at his Oldsmar restaurant, Jack Willies.  I was a kindergarten teacher, therefore he called me ‘teach’.  I’m not even sure if he knew my real name! 😉 

Often, when he would bring the ballplayers, hall of fame legends,  or Steinbrenner for dinner, he would request I served their tables.  He was never dismissive or rude.   He would kindly introduce me, and I believe with pride,  tell everyone I taught kindergarten.  He made me feel important in the presence of sporting legends.  He even had one table sign a ball for me - Yogi Berra, Clete Boyer, Whitey Ford and Billy too!  (I wish to goodness I still had that ball..)  

He took great pride in the memorabilia room at the rear of the restaurant.  It was pure joy to see grown men attending ‘Yankee Fantasy Camp’ scour over every image and autographed ball.  He would often take the time to explain the context of the photos to fans and Yankee players.  

Billy, you were a legend and you are missed.   May you have peace in baseball heaven. 

Regards, Kathleen 



Spent many hours with billy - mostly working - I remember when gms threw the speaker phone into the corner of the room and billy said “ was the a fb or a curve” gms went from pissed to laughing - billy could do that 

OBITUARY

William Joseph Connors III

November 2, 1941 – June 17, 2018

Blount & Curry Life Event Center

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