Theodore Samuel (Ted) Williams, the Splendid Splinter, was without a doubt, the greatest hitter who ever lived. The Rambler was very fortunate growing up in the 1950s and 1960s. I vividly remember Ted and his accomplishments. Although he played on some pretty bad Red Sox teams, Ted always produced. A combat fighter pilot and hero of World War II and Korea, Ted gave 5 prime years of his career, and nearly his life, serving the United States. Ted will always be my favorite player.

We all remember where we were when significant events happened in our lives. The Rambler was in 11th grade English class when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, at work at Hanscom Air Force Base when the World Trade Center was attacked on 9/11, and at Fenway Park the day Ted Williams died.

I was on my first official guided tour of Fenway Park on the morning of July 5, 2002. The tour took us into the 600 Club, since renamed the 406 Club in honor of Ted, the last man to hit over .400. As the tour guide explained the significance of the retired uniform numbers gracing the right field grandstand facade, I sat silently and wondered how Ted was doing. He had been quite ill and the Rambler had not heard much recent news about Ted.  Sadly, at almost that exact time, Ted passed away. It still troubles the Rambler to think about the events that unfolded following his death. But my hat is off to the Red Sox for the splendid memorial celebration they held for Ted. It was an evening I will never forget!!

Ted Williams, the greatest hitter who ever lived!

 Photo Credit: Bill Frakes

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