Williams Off Team For Personal Reasons

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — One of the heroes in South Carolina’s 2011 College World Series run will not return for the upcoming season. Coach Ray Tanner said Thursday that designated hitter-outfielder Jake Williams won’t play this season for personal reasons. Tanner said Williams won’t be part of the active roster when the two-time defending national champions open the season against VMI on Friday. The coach said he spoke with Williams several times and the two agreed on the move. Williams hit .268 with two homers and 38 RBIs in 62 games last season. He threw out the potential winning run from left field in the bottom of the 10th inning South Carolina’s 2-1 victory over Florida in the CWS’ championship series. Williams was suspended for five games in 2011 for violating team rules. Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.