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Ted Williams, 1918-2002

Legendary Red Sox Hall of Famer Ted Williams, the last baseball player to hit above .400, has died. Share your thoughts about The Kid.

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Ted Williams was the greatest player to ever swing a bat. He had a difficult life as a child, but didn't give up and reached heights nobody, but he, thought were possible. We are all thankful for the pride and joy he brought to the city of Boston and it's fans. Kid, we tip our caps to you.

Brian , Peabody


Thanks Mr. Williams. RIP

TJ , Middleboro


In 1939,the Red Sox played Holy Cross College in a Spring exhibition game at Fitton Field in Worcester. Ted, during his first time at bat, hit a grand slam home run. I was there.

Tom , Shrewsbury, MA


A great American, a wonderful person, he spoke with his bat and did not write the book on hitting, he was the book. -Christopher Trimm

Christopher , Manhattan Beach, CA


When I was 11, I was at a Red Sox-Indians game and got to meet Ted Williams, as he was leaving Fenway the same time my mother(who recognized him) and I were leaving. He very kindly gave me an autograph at my mother's request. I understand there may have been times when he apparently had problems with the media and fans, but I'll always remember how courteous he was with us.

Daniel , Brookline


Being a long time Sox fan from Seattle, I'm saddened to hear about the death of Ted Williams. I am old enough to have seen him play, and what a thrill it was. As I was growing up I used to wonder what an outfield including both Williams and DiMaggio would have been like? Any hoots, we're going to miss you Ted.

Bob , Bothell, WA


I was 15 years old, and was going to my first EVER baseball game. It just so happened to be the 1961 All Star game at Fenway Park. Like any youngster growing up in the Boston area in the 40s & 50s the name Ted Williams was synomous with Hitting Excellence. I came to idolize Ted and often tried to perfect (I was left-handed also) the "Majesty" of the Great Swing. The All-Star game itself turned out to be a very boring 1 to 1 tie game that ended that way. However the highlight for me occurred prior to the game when I worked my was down behind the American League dugout. I was made aware that my "Idol" would be throwing out the "First Pitch" as he had retired the previous year. I got to within 2 rows of where Ted was standing.....Awestruck...at seeing him in the flesh and breathing the same air. Unfortunately I was unable to get a real good view as I was blocked by none other than Big Brother Bob Emery, and the Commissioner of Baseball Ford Frick. Taken advantage of the "golden oppurtunity" I did what any adventurous 15 year old would do, and decided to jump up on the seat of Big Brother so I could witness the First Pitch. My excitement carried over when I picked up a copy of the Newspaper the following day and there I was "Head & Shoulders above the crowd watching the Greatest Hitter who ever lived throw out that ball. Over the years, I have learned much about Ted and his "John Wayne" life. He remains my HERO, however it is not only for being able to hit a baseball but for what he did with his entire LIFE. Taking 5 years out of his baseball career to defend our country during 2 wars while he was at the PEAK of his career speaks volumes about the MAN. As legend has it, he was not just ANY Marine Corp fighter pilot but one of the BEST and HIGHEST decorated aviators to shoot down the enemy during both wars. I never had the ability to play baseball at a level like Ted, however I am Very Proud to say that he and I can both call ourselves Marines forever. I look forward to some day watch Ted again to see how he can handles Pdro's heat and changeup. God bless you Ted....May you forever rest in peace and thank you for always striving for EXCELLENCE in everything that you did on this earth.....Sincerely Ray Frechette

Ray , Boynton Beach Fl


We all by now know that Ted Williams was the most prolific hitter in the history of Major League Baseball. No one has ever combined power and average in the manner of Ted Williams's .344 and 521 homers. What is more impressive to me, however was his tireless support for the Jimmy Fund. Williams personally raised millions of dollars for the Dana Farber Cancer Center, and it's no stretch to say that he saved many lives doing it. Though certainly not the only great athlete to do charity work, I think that Ted's devotion to the Jimmy Fund went above and beyond what anyone else did. He got personally involved with several patients, including the daughter of Globe writer Dan Shaughnessy. Not only did he raise money, but he directly inspired many of these patients. God Bless Ted Williams.

Bob , Lexington


Truly, an American Hero!

Onnelly, Boston, MA


The Slendid Slinter....a great man, a great ballpayer, a great American. Thanks for the memories.

Alexi , seattle, wa


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