Originally from Quanah, Texas, Bill comes to Oakland from Boston, where he pitched nine games last season for the Red Sox, with an ERA of 4.11. He previously hurled for the Solons in 1950, chalking up a 15-22 record with an ERA of 3.44. Prior major league experience consisted of a "cup of coffee" with the White Sox in 1949.

Bill, 33, will pitch in 27 games for the Oaks in 1952, with a 5-4 record and 4.26 ERA before moving on to Seattle in 1953-54 and San Francisco in 1955.