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Williamson knew deep in his heart he was born to be a soldier. Not a ballplayer. So Williamson has traded in his uniform for fatigues and left the Detroit Tigers' organization. "I love to play baseball," said Williamson, who last spring became the second West Point graduate granted an early release from active duty by the Army. "But it kind of clicked last summer that I had to help people. I want to be a soldier and I know I can be a good leader. I want to do my part and help lead soldiers."
Williamson's perspective on baseball, life and the U.S. Army changed after his younger brother, Nicholas, 21, served a 14-month tour in Iraq with the Army reserves. He returned last February. "That's when I took the Army personal," Williamson said. "My brother saw a lot of things over there. I don't want to get into it, but soldiers are dying, people are dying. I want to go over (to Iraq) and save lives. I know I could do some good over there."
Detroit drafted Williamson in the 26th round (780th pick) of the 2005 first-year major league draft. He batted .203 (13-for-64) with six RBI in 25 games with the Tigers' Class A New York-Penn League affiliate in Oneonta. Detroit officials expected Williamson to return this season.
Under Army's early release program, West Point athletes in any sport who sign a pro contract can serve two years active duty and six in the reserves upon graduating. Army athletes previously served a five-year military commitment. Williamson, a second lieutenant, has served almost a year active duty and has four remaining. On March 14, he will report to Fort Hood, Texas, with the 1st Cavalry Division. The division has been frequently deployed to Iraq and is expected to return within a year.