Terrible Ted

July 08, 2010

The Blue Ridge Branch has many, many sports biographies.  Today’s subject: Ted Williams, aka Terrible Ted.  I don’t remember seeing him play on television, but he was featured on a well-known cereal’s box when I was a kid.  I just always knew he was a great hitter and for me, was the face of major league baseball.

Do you know why he was called Terrible Ted, as well as the Splendid Splinter, the Thumper, and Teddy Ballgame?

Did you know he interrupted his baseball career to serve in World War II and the Korean War?

Why didn’t he tip his hat to the Boston fans? What was the result of his last at-bat?

Where is Terrible Ted “not” buried?

Here are some biographies to look into:

Ted Williams: the biography of an American hero, by Leigh Montville

Ted Williams: reflections on a splendid life, by Lawrence Baldassaro

Last but not least, the late David Halberstam wrote The Teammates, a short tribute to Williams and the team members who were his greatest friends.  If you don’t wish to read one of the longer biographies, this will give you insight into the life and last years of Terrible Ted.

Geri H.