Ted Williams

Ted Williams, born on August 30, 1918, in San Diego, California, was an American professional baseball player and manager, often hailed as one of the greatest hitters in the history of the sport. Williams started his professional career with the Boston Red Sox in 1939, and apart from his military service during World War II and the Korean War, he played for the Red Sox until his retirement in 1960.

Williams was known for his exceptional hitting skill, discipline at the plate, and charismatic personality. He was a two-time American League Most Valuable Player (MVP), a six-time batting champion, and a 19-time All-Star. Off the field, Williams was also recognized for his contributions to the community and the sport, including his work with the Jimmy Fund, a charity dedicated to pediatric cancer research.

Boston Red Sox

• Early Career: Williams started playing for the Boston Red Sox in 1939 and quickly established himself as a formidable hitter. His .406 batting average in 1941 remains the last time any major league player has hit over .400 in a season.

Military Service

• World War II and Korean War: Williams served as a Marine Corps aviator during World War II and the Korean War, interrupting his baseball career for nearly five years.

Post-War Career and Retirement

• Return to Baseball: Williams returned to the Red Sox after the end of World War II in 1946 and played until his retirement in 1960. He was named an All-Star 19 times and won the American League MVP award twice during his career.

United States Military

• Williams served as a Marine Corps pilot during World War II and the Korean War, flying 39 combat missions.

• Position: Primarily a left fielder and a designated hitter in the latter part of his career.
• Skills: Known for his exceptional hitting ability, discipline at the plate, and the ability to hit for both average and power. Williams is often cited as one of the greatest hitters in baseball history.

• Family: Williams was married three times and had three children. His son, John-Henry Williams, also pursued a professional baseball career.
• Philanthropy: Williams was heavily involved in the Jimmy Fund, a charity dedicated to pediatric cancer research. He also established the Ted Williams Museum and Hitters Hall of Fame.

• Ted Williams is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for his dedication, passion, and contributions to baseball. His impact on the sport and his status as a legend extend beyond the field, inspiring countless players and fans.

American League Most Valuable Player (MVP):

• Won twice, in 1946 and 1949

Batting Champion:

• Six times, last in 1958

All-Star:

• 19-time All-Star

Boston Red Sox:

• His number 9 was retired by the Red Sox in 1984

Books

• Williams, T., & Underwood, J. (1988). Ted Williams: My Life in Pictures. New York: Simon & Schuster.
• Montville, L. (2004). Ted Williams: The Biography of an American Hero. New York: Doubleday.

Websites

• Baseball Reference: Comprehensive statistics and information about Ted Williams’s career. Available at: https://www.baseball-reference.com
• Boston Red Sox: Details about Williams’s career with the Red Sox. Available at: https://www.mlb.com/redsox

Articles

• ESPN: Ted Williams: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/_/id/17410/ted-williams
• The New York Times: Ted Williams’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/topic/person/ted-williams

Documentaries

• Ted Williams: 'The Greatest Hitter Who Ever Lived' (2018): Directed by Nick Davis. This documentary provides a detailed look at Williams’s life and career, featuring interviews with his family, friends, and colleagues.