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The Greatest
Hitter Who Ever Lived—See A Ted Williams Highlight Reel
HERE |
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The Greatest
Hitter Who Ever Lived—See A Ted Williams Highlight Reel
HERE |
(New York Times Photo)
TED'S 1957 STREAK OF REACHING BASE 16 STRAIGHT TIMES*:
Sep
17--pinch-hit home run
Sep 18--walked as pinch hitter
Sep 20--pinch-hit home run
Sep 21--walk, grand slam home run, walk, walk
Sep 22--walk, home run, single, walk
Sep 23--single, walk, walk, walk, hit by pitch
Ted On "What's My Line?" IN 1954
by Earl Keller
SAN DIEGO, Cal.—Lanky 19-year-old Ted Williams' dreams have come true. Since he was old enough to play ball, Williams has looked forward to the day when he would be in the major leagues. You can imagine how excited the boy was, when he was informed the other day that the Boston Red Sox had bought him.
"Go on, you're kidding me," Williams told reporters, on hearing the news. "Boy, this is the happiest day of my life. I'll make good if it's the last thing I do. I'll show the Red Sox bosses they didn't make any mistake in buying me."
The news came as a big surprise to the fans, too. Owner Bill Lane of the San Diego club has said he wouldn't sell Williams until 1938, because he figured the lad needed another year of seasoning, but he received a substantial offer from the Red Sox and figured it best to accept.
The Yankees, Giants, Detroit and the Athletics were also dickering for the hard-hitting youth. The Red Sox naturally stood first in line, as Lane has a working agreement with them.
Williams, 19 last October 30, has lots to learn, but he has the natural ability and doesn't have to be told twice how a thing should be done.
In high school here, Williams was a pitcher, and a good one. When he wasn't pitching, he was playing in the outfield. In his last two years on the team, he carted off various diamond trophies. He also graduated with scholastic honors.
On leaving school in 1936, Williams joined the San Diego club in mid-season, and didn't see much action, but he was impressive in his few appearances. In 1937, he was a regular. Playing in 138 games, he collected 132 hits and drove in 93 runs. Included in his 132 singles were 23 home runs. Twice during the season he hit two homers in one game in the Padres' home park.
Without a doubt, he was the outstanding major league prospect in the Coast league this year. Every manager of the circuit had a word of praise for the lad. Lefty O'Doul, manager of the Seals, gave Williams many helpful pointers, and late into the season the 'Frisco club is said to have offered big money for the youth.
