Ted Williams.
Teddy Ballgame graces the cover of the September 1st, 1941 issue of Life Magazine. Two things cross my mind while looking at this: 1) I want this issue & 2) I wish I was around in 1941 to witness the amazing hitting feats accomplished by both Williams and DiMaggio.
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I came across this today while doing some reading on the relationship between Tony Gwynn & Ted Williams. I find it pretty interesting and funny at the same time. I could sit and listen to the dialogue between these great hitters for hours and never get bored. This is only 3.5 minutes long, so do yourself a favor and listen to it.
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Williams sits in on the production of his signature model gloves with a watchful eye. One thing that everyone knows about Ted Williams is that he was a serious perfectionist and this photo falls right in line with this perception of him.
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A scan of a San Diego based newspaper from 1937 in which Williams poses with his Padres teammates. 1937 was Williams’ 2nd season in professional ball and with the Padres.
This photo is from the VERY amazing book “The Kid – Ted Williams in San Diego” which I suggest anyone read if they are remotely interested in Ted Williams, the old Pacific Coast League, and life in San Diego during the early 1900’s.
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Ted Williams was potentially the greatest hitter of all time and had incredibly high expectations of himself. With that said, it’s well known that when he did not fulfill these expectations it strongly affected him as he wore his emotions on his sleeves. These photos capture this disappointment in himself for striking out and his remorse for throwing his bat afterwards is on display in a not so admirable way.
I found this scan during an image search last year and wish I knew where it came from? If you happen to know, please let me know so I can give credit and so I can purchase the book myself.
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A baby-faced Ted Williams during his rookie season with the Red Sox in 1939. What’s great about this photo is that it was taken at Fenway Park prior to the ads being taken down from the outfield walls. While I’m not entirely sure if it’s true, I have heard that Williams was instrumental in having the walls stripped clean from ads so he and his Boston teammates could see the ball better while at bat.
ninety feet of perfection. 