Full Name : Theodore Samuel Williams
Born : August 30, 1918
Hometown : San Diego, CA
Height : 6' 3
Weight : 205 lbs
Bats : Left
Throws : Right
Major League Baseball debut : April 20, 1939 for the Boston Red Sox
Family : wife, Doris Soule (m. 4-May-1944, div. 9-May-1955, one daughter); daughter, Bobby Jo Williams Ferrell (eldest daughter); wife, Lee Howard (m. 10-Sep-1961, div. 1966); wife, Dolores Wettach (m. 1967, div. 1972, one son, one daughter); son, John Henry Williams; daughter, Claudia
Primary Position : OF (Outfielder)
When baseball fans reminisce about some of the games most notable historic figures, there is no doubt that Ted Williams comes to mind. Born on August 30, 1918, Williams grew up in San Diego, California, and it was here that he developed the skills that would later classify him as one of the game's greatest athletes. After putting up stunning performances at Herbert Hoover High School, the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Yankees offered Williams lucrative contracts in hopes of luring him to their organization. However, due to his desire to stay near his hometown, Williams pursued a career with the San Diego Padres.
Ted arrived at the major league with the Boston Red Sox in 1939. As a child, he dreamed of one day being called “the greatest hitter who ever lived,” and in 1941 he did everything he could to secure this title. During that season, he put up phenomenal numbers, finishing off the year leading the American League in home runs (37), batting average (.406), and runs scored (135). Unfortunately, much of Williams' success during his first few years in the majors was overshadowed by Joe Dimaggio's record-breaking hitting streak.
Surprisingly, Williams was not able to witness much postseason experience throughout his victorious career with the Red Sox organization. He did get to play in the World Series in 1946, but sadly his team would end up losing to the St. Louis Cardinals. In an effort to reduce Williams' impact, the Cardinals put on a defensive shift that involved placing five or six fielders on the right side of second base. After hitting into the shift on several occasions, Williams grew very frustrated of his lack of production during the postseason. Despite these playoff struggles, baseball critics all over the country admired Ted for his ability to drive the ball with consistency.
Like many players during his era, Williams' playing career was interrupted when he was called upon to partake in military duties. He served as a flight instructor during World War 2, and even went on to win the Air Medal. Ted's efforts in the military did not go unnoticed, and fans were disappointed knowing that his playing time was significantly limited due to his dedication to the military. Despite the misfortune, Ted never once complained that his career totals were shortened as a result of his tenure in the armed forces.
As far as his character goes, Ted never enjoyed the constant publicity that surrounded him. He felt that too many news reporters were concerned about his personal life, and he didn't like the fact that articles were being published about him that did not focus on his baseball career. Eventually, he developed a grudge against SPORT magazine for publishing quotes that were spoken by his mother. Fans soon realized that Williams was very stubborn, not to mention short-tempered.
Ironically, Williams hit a home run in his last at-bat of his career, which took place on September 28, 1960. As he circled the bases, fans chanted “We want Ted,” and surprisingly Williams did not show any sort of response. He would eventually be elected into the Hall of Fame in 1966, a notable honor. It is no question that his career was exceptional, and after winning two American League Most Valuable Player Awards, six batting titles, and two Triple Crown Awards, Ted has gone down as one of the most phenomenal hitters to play the game.
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