Product Description
Ted Williams hit .406 for the season in 1941— a feat not matched since. In this inspirational picture book, authentic sportswriting and rich, classic illustrations bring to life the truly spectacular story of the Red Sox legend, whose hard work and perseverance make him the perfect role model for baseball enthusiasts of all ages. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

great for baseball fans young and old
No matter who does the ranking, no baseball fan would argue about Ted Williams being one of the greatest baseball players of all time.Yet there are not a lot of books for young people about him, perhaps because in addition to being a great player, he was also known for being temperamental, demanding, and having an adversarial relationship with the press and sometimes with fans.I was therefore eager to read Fred Bowen's new picture book about this baseball icon.Bowen, as a sports columnist and a writer of sports fiction for kids, seems particularly well qualified to tackle this subject.

Rather than write a conventional biography of Williams, Bowen chose to concentrate on Williams' 1941 season with the Red Sox, the year he hit .406, a feat no other baseball player has come close to equalling in the following 60 or so years.We learn a bit about Williams' background growing up in San Diego in the 1930's, during the Depression.Right away Williams' enormous ambition is highlighted:
From the time he was young, he knew exactly what he wanted to be."My dream was to walk down the street and have people say, 'There goes Ted Williams, the greatest hitter who ever lived.'"
Bowen emphasizes Williams' dedication to the sport, and the hours he spent practicing, before and after school, until blisters grew into hard, ugly calluses on his hands.Why spend so much time practicing?Because Ted "knew there was no easy way to become the greatest hitter who ever lived.No easy way to do the single most difficult thing in sports:to hit a round ball with a round bat." No other player, Bowen tells us, practiced more than Ted, even when he made the major leagues, not only swinging the bat over and over but also squeezing rubber balls to make his wrists and forearms strong.

All this practice pays off in the extraordinary 1941 season, when not only was Joe DiMaggio hitting in a record-breaking 56 straight game streak, Ted Williams was hitting consistently all over American ballparks--could he hit the magic .400 batting average?By the end of the season, his average had dropped to .39955 with only two games to play.He could sit out those last games, and stick with his average, which would have been rounded up to .400, according to baseball rules.Even his manager thought he should sit out the last two games.But that would be taking the "easy way out," and that wasn't Williams' style.Although we know the results in advance, Bowen's exciting narrative builds a suspenseful mood as Williams takes his at-bats during the last two games, a double-header against the Philadelphia Athletics.And the Athletics weren't going to make it easy for him....we almost hold our breath as Bowen describes how Williams, with his stupendous performance in this double-header, raised his average to a stellar .406.

This book is a great addition to baseball collections, and could be enjoyed by baseball fans young and old.I particularly appreciated the way Bowen emphasized Williams' work ethic and his commitment to practicing.An afterword with additional biographical information on Williams' life would have been a nice addition.I also want to give special praise to Charles Pyle's old-fashioned illustrations, which brought to mind classic American illustrators such as Norman Rockwell; they complement the text perfectly, capturing Williams' speed and power but also the innocence of an earlier baseball era, with scenes of Williams eating an ice-cream cone and young boys selling newspapers from canvas bags.

This exciting book will bring back memories for the old timers and create some new young fans for the great Ted Williams!
Ted Williams loved baseball.No, you can't really say that because he had a passion, a real passion.When he was a boy in sunny California he would get up in the morning to race to school so he could hit in the pickup games and later in the afternoon he was back at it.He was just a poor San Diego boy with big dreams, but he was determined to become the "greatest hitter whoever lived."To be the best of anything you have to practice, but he was a boy who didn't shy away from hard work.Practice, play, practice, play, practice, play. . .he worked so hard at times that "blisters popped up like mushrooms on his hands."No one said success would come easy, but Ted was determined and persistent.Practice, play. . .

He played at junior high, high school, and then for several minor-league teams.Ted kept practicing and playing until he "was good enough for the major leagues."He was elated when he stepped off the train in Boston.His rookie year was sensational and the newspapers began to give him flattering nicknames.A .327 batting average was nothing to sneeze at, but there was something else he had his eye on and that was a .400.No one had ever done that before.Practice, play, practice, play, practice, play. . .those blisters had long ago turned to calluses.At the end of the season in 1941 he was pounding that ball like no tomorrow.His average was up, it was down and with just two games before the end of the season his average was .39955, technically a .400.Was Ted going to risk it and play those two games or was he going to rest on his laurels and stay on the bench?

This exciting book will bring back memories for the old timers and create some new young fans for the great Ted Williams.I loved the way this book brought Williams to life and made his life and 1941 season to the edge of my seat, just as if I were in the ball park.I got a real sense of who he was and not only his talent, but also his integrity.I think I was hooked from the title page when I glance at a photograph of him standing at the edge of the dugout with an innocent, but determined look on his face as he held a load of bats.The nostalgic artwork meshed perfectly with this story and the few scattered photographs blended in nicely.If you are a Sox fan or love to read stories of the greats, this one should be added to your list! ... Read more

Product Description
"He did a helluva good job. Ted only batted .406 for the Red Sox. He batted a thousand for the Marine Corps and the United States." - John Glenn, U.S. Senator and former astronaut

Ted Williams was the only Hall of Fame ballplayer who saw military service in two wars. He was a flight instructor with the United States Marine Corps in World War II and flew 39 combat missions in the Korean War - several of them as wingman for squadron mate John Glenn. Shot down once, on his third mission, Williams was lucky to escape with his life. He was back up and flying less than 24 hours later.

There aren't too many athletes who are truly heroes. Ted Williams was one such athlete. Imagine Alex Rodriguez or Barry Bonds flying dive-bombing missions in close air support of troops on the ground, taking anti-aircraft fire as they pulled out of dives as low as 500 feet. Imagine the records Williams might have set had he not devoted nearly five full seasons to serving his country.

Most biographies of Ted Williams devote a chapter or two to the five years he spent in the Marines. Bill Nowlin has interviewed over 40 pilots who flew with Capt. Williams from K-3 in Korea, and interviewed over 120 people in all who knew or encountered Ted Williams during his years of service. Combined with access to Williams' squadron records, his personal flight logbooks, and his fitness and evaluation reports, Ted Williams At War presents by far the most comprehensive portrait of a man that many termed "the real John Wayne".

Features a wealth of over 100 photographs (most previously unpublished) from Ted's time in the service. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Ted Williams at war
Book arrived within a few days and was in the condition that it was described or better, very happy with there service.

True American Hero
Ted Williams was a great baseball player. But this book tells another side of Williams, a true American Hero. He served in 2 wars; lost what would have been peak playing years (what would his stats be if he had those years back). Sometimes we admire players for the wrong reasons. Baseball is going through a big scandal right now. How many of our "heros" have feet of clay?This book reminds us of who our true heros are, those who serve and defend us in the military. Thanks to all our veterans both in the past and those defending us today.

A Portrait of a Real Hero!
Author Bill Nowlin has put together the ultimate book on Ted Williams and it is not about his Hall of Fame baseball days.Nowlin's wonderfully researched book "Ted Williams At War" presents to us a different image of a sports idol--one that shows us a real honest-to-goodness hero! The book is so well written and fascinating that the reader will find himself totally emerged into the story and unable to put it down. The words and great collection of photos captures the essence of a Ted Williamsfew Americans knew about. We discover a man who was a really true American War hero!

Nowlin goes into great details like who flew missions with Williams in the Korean War. We learn about a young officer named John Glenn, who later goes on to conquer space and become a US Senator. We also read about his air combat missions and how he risked not only his life but also his baseball career when he crashes. The author digs into old flight log books and interviews dozen of former pilots who flew with Ted. All this detailed research makes for a most insightful look at a complicated man. The reader will not be disappointed in this large volume of work.

This book should appeal to not only baseball fans but also all readers who love inspiring life stories. Ted Williams was the only Hall of Fame player to have served in two wars for his country.He did his service when he was at his peak age for baseball playing and yet, he was still able to come back and continue to achieve greatness.


The book is honestly written and tells it all. It is a book that I highly recommend. It is given "The American Authors Association's" highest book ranking of FIVE STARS! That Association also nominated it for it's annual Gold Medal Award for Non-Fiction.

Impeccably Researched
Normally I would not get too worked up about another biography of a baseball superstar; afterall, how many books do we really need on Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson and Ted Williams.Is there ever anything new and exciting in these books? Usually not.

Well, Bill Nowlin has proven my theory wrong.His "Ted Williams at War" is an amazing piece of research.Every detail about Williams' military career - World War II and Korea - is there.The fans either loved or hated Williams - who always spoke his mind - and Nowlin has presented Ted's opinions along with those who served with him.

I didn't count the numerous photos - must be more than 100 - and only a few had I seen before.

This is a treat for any fan of Ted Williams, and a must for anyone who considers themselves a baseball historian.

... Read more

Amazon.com Review
Interesting that Ted Williams, possessor of the best battingaverage of the '40s and '50s, would pen the foreword to an exegesis byGwynn, who has sported the best average since. Both Williams and Gwynnhave their roots around San Diego, both have shelves of battingcrowns, and both have been articulate, dogged students, and advocatesof, their demanding craft. Interesting, too, that Williams would titlehis own acknowledged classic on the subject, The Science ofHitting, while Gwynn, who's relied less on power and more oncunning, and admits to having studied Williams like a graduate studentpreparing for orals, would focus more on the art. Interesting,too, the conversation that takes place between them here on what to dowith the inside pitch; art and science don't easily agree.

Partmemoir (when Gwynn got his first big-league hit against the Philliesin 1982, Pete Rose, playing first that night, congratulated him andthen counseled, "Just don't try to catch me in one night") and partsound, conversationally proffered advice, Gwynn's liberallyillustrated Art mirrors his persona: thoughtful, personable, andapproachable. He breaks hitting down into its essentialcomponents--grip, stance, swing, and follow-through--but also builds onthem intellectually and psychologically in his constant search for anedge. His analyses of pitchers--Greg Maddux, Randy Johnson, and NolanRyan among them--invite you into the chess match of the hitter-hurlerconfrontation. But it's his admission that he's "gladly taken lessmoney to be where I'm happy"--with the Padres--rather than just takethe money, change uniforms, and run, that may be his best hitting tipof all: a mind free of angst and greed can better concentrate on cutfastballs and dipping sliders. --Jeff Silverman ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Tony Gwynn: The Art of Hitting
This is a so-so hitting book. Doesn't provide any science on how to swing a bat. Just talks about hitting off the tee and how good he was as a hitter. He doesn't talk about the hitting sequence and what should be where during different parts of the swing.

Love Gwynn, but Merely Like This Book
I have all the respect in the world for Tony Gwynn, and don't regret purchasing this book for one minute.But, if you're looking for anything that could compare to "The Mike Schmidt Study," or Ted Williams' "The Science of Hitting," or even Charlie Lau's "The Art of Hitting .300," I'm afraid this book is not the answer.

It's basically a short biography/autobiography, with a few pages on hitting technique, and multiple portions on philosophy.Buy it because you're a Gwynn fan, or because you're a completist, and want a library of every book that discusses hitting, or everything by Hall-of-Famers, or whatever.But if you're really looking for hitting instruction, and you're only going to buy a handful of hitting books, this one, unfortunately, shouldn't make the cut.

Gwynn's story of how to --is flat
Tony Gwynn in this text describes the hard work and dedication on how he became very talented at his craft.In the account,the book is much like those written by other All Stars who simply cannot explain how they became great other than using the words "hard work." This how-to book is written in biography style, so contains more war stories than techniques, like we have seen written byPete Rose and Joe Torre. The problem is that no one doubts Gwynn was a great hitter.He makes a point by saying in the book that "I let the pitcher control the action," as some sort of absolution on how you must be to achievegreat hitter status.Having played and been in a baseball family for 50 years,I know that is absolutely false. The pitcher controls the game whether Mr. Gwynn likes it or not. There is very little information which is definitive enough to be used to improve someone's hitting ability.I do recommend this book,because of who wrote it.However,I cannot tell you to buy this text becauseit will not make you a better hitter.Try Mike Schmitt's text or the ones by Walt Hriniak or Charlie Lau and you will do much better than reading stories about another "great one."

The Art of Hitting
The book that all baseball players and enthusiasts should have is The Art of Hitting by Tony Gwyn. This book gives great instructions and tips to getting the best swing for baseball. Tony Gwyn, eight-time batting champion in the MLB, explains the methods that he used to achieve that accomplishment. Gwyn tells everything, from what to look for from a pitcher to the basics like opening your hips to gain power and speed on the swing. The Art of Hitting also talks about Gwyn's life as a Minor and Major League player. The Art of Hitting is a great book for the beginning and advanced baseball player, and also for the fan.

Tony Gwynn is #1
Tony Gwynn is #1.If you are a Padres fan, baseball fan, or a Tony Gwynn fan than this is the right book for you. In this book, Tony Gwynn teaches you the art of hitting. Having seen him in person, I know that Tony Gwynn is no doubt the greatest Padre ever and one of the greatest baseball players of all-time. If you do not agree with me, look at all the records that he has acheived:

3141 HITS
9287 AT-BATS
.338 CAREER BATTING AVERAGE
.459 SLUGGING PERCENTAGE
2 WORLD SERIES
15 TIME ALL-STAR
MULTI BATTING TILES
MULTI GOLDEN GLOVES
A FUTURE HALL OF FAMER
ETC.
So I highly recommend you to buy this book. I am absolutely sure that you will like it. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (2)

Idyllic baseball book
Fenway is an idyllic baseball book on the Red Sox history, sort of like a pitcher who throws a one hitter on a fine summer day. Close to perfect, the stories from ballplayers, fans and notable individuals are short and concise. The photos, by Stan Grossfeld and other lensmen, are exceptional and distinctive-obviously taken by those who enjoy the game of baseball, Red Sox brand in particular. I especially liked the shorts by George Steinbrenner and Ted Williams, among many other fascinating vignettes. A classic baseball book and well recommended.

Paul Keck
The Greatest Comeback Ever: A fan's daily diary of the 1978 New York Yankees championship season

Fenway, Expanded
I took a risk and surprised my domestic partner, a devout Red Sox fan
(yes, some of us are butch!), with the book "Fenway, Expanded and Updated" for Christmas. He is difficult to buy for. He was happy that it was not just a picture book but contained stories of Yaztremski and Ted Williams. It also included the fans' perspectives, historically waiting loyally and patiently for 86 years for a World Series championship. It took him back to his childhood and the first time he went to Fenway Park. He is also happy about the point the authors make that Fenway is being preserved and not torn down as seems to be the fate for many other stadiums. Now he owes me a night at the Ballet.... ... Read more

Product Description
The best writing by celebrated sports writers and best-selling authors about the greatest hitter who ever lived from his rookie year in 1939 to the memorial tributes following his death in 2002. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

More then just baseball
Im 17 years old and hardly pick up a book , but I couldnt seem to put this one down , I find myself reading this book 3 hours a day. These are all articles of Ted Williams life that go in order from when he was a young kid to a old man. Its not just about his baseball side , but also about his love of fishing and who he really is behind the baseball image. It doesnt just tell you that he did something but how he did it ( dislike fans , visited kids in hospital , hate writers , sent money to his father even know he hadnt seen him in over 10 years , and why he was so generous to others ). Ive read alot about Ted Williams but I learned alot more about him in this book. I highly reccomend this book to anyone whos interested in " The Kid "

This is a "must read" for all Ted Williams fans!
Compiled and edited by lifelong Boston Red Sox fan Lawrence Baldassaro (who is also Professor of Italian and Comparative Literature, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee), Reflections On A Splendid Life: Ted Williams is a remarkable tribute to the talented baseball player who won six batting titles and two Triple Crowns, and in 1941, was the last player to hit over .400. In addition to his legend on the baseball field, he served as a fighter pilot in World War II and worked on behalf of the Jimmy Fund to fight against cancer in children. Reflections On A Splendid Life collects writings and photographs of Williams, from his rookie year in 1939 to his death in July 2002. Articles by sportswriters, best-selling authors, and those who knew and respected the remarkable Ted Williams fill the pages of this one-of-a-kind compilation. This is a "must read" for all Ted Williams fans! ... Read more

Product Description
Ever wonder what it would be like to go back in time to have a conversation with a legend? It’s Only Me: The Ted Williams We Hardly Knew allows readers to experience the baseball great’s views and personality through the immediacy of recorded conversations and personal stories. Author John Underwood has collected the most powerful and poignant moments from his previously unreleased archive of discussions with Williams to set the record straight on a misunderstood icon. This book and its audio CD companion paint a sensitive and nuanced portrait of an American icon, one that reveals a side of Williams’ character and personality never before glimpsed by the American public. It’s Ted Williams at his most unguarded. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A New Respect
I was a Joe DiMaggio fan and never cared for Ted Williams much, knowing what I did about his antics while playing baseball.It took me a long time to start this book.I found that under the gruff hard shell of this man was a genuine hero to be looked up to. Spending 26 years in the military myself, I was shocked and awed to find that Ted had given up 5 prime time baseball seasons to fly a fighter jet in the Marines for two wars when called by his country. How many players today would do that? I was touched by his feeding a stray cat after swearing at it for hanging around his back door. I was moved by Ted volunteering to spend his time giving autographs and supporting a charitable cause and asking for nothing in return. I was truly impressed that he went to his manager after having a season that was below his standards and asking for a pay reduction. I also found out that his real love was for fishing, and the book has some interesting and comical sidelights of his experiences. I think every ballplayer today should read this book and ask themselves how they stack up to Ted Williams. As for me, I still love Joe DiMaggio, an outstanding ballplayer and a gentleman, but Ted is now my hero. The enclosed CD with a live discussion with Ted is a golden bonus.

Slendid Writer
The media man who knew Ted Williams best does not disappoint.John Underwood has written an incisive and enjoyable book full of wonderful anecdotes about one of the most fascinating and iconic figures of the 20th Century.Like Ted Williams, John Underwood may be the last of the .400 authors.

A book written objectively, fairly, from the inside
For all the books written about Ted Williams and his ability to hit a baseball better than anyone who has ever lived, this is a fantastic little book to read if you want to really understand this complicated man.Written by one of Ted's long-time friends and confidants, the book is unusually objective, showing Ted's flaws without apology.Ted had a temper and could be thoughtless, even cruel, and that comes through.So does the rest of Ted's character.When you finish this book, you will probably, like me, "miss" Ted just as the author does.

My favorite little incident has Ted cursing a stray cat that's been hanging around his door.Then, after preparing breakfast for his guests, he sets a plate of scraps by the door for that cat."No point in it going to waste," he gruffly says.Reading this made me smile.Ted, do you suppose the da** cat hangs around your door so much, because you feed it?A clear example of a famous and profound saying: Actions speak louder than words.Ted curses the cat, but feeds it.

I've always been a big Ted Williams fan.Reading this book has made me even more enthusiastically in Ted's corner, and it has also given me a very clear picture of his dark side.A wonderful book, fair, honest, warm, and very well worth buying and reading.

By the way, the CD that comes with this book, Ted talking about his crash landing in Korea and other assorted subjects, should be listened to after reading the book.First get to know the man, then hear his voice, and it all comes together.

Personal Ted
John Underwood's book will please any Ted fan. He surely knew him personally, sharing anecdotes that reveal Ted Williams as a human being as well as a ballplayer. Underwood is not afraid to address Ted's insecurities or his occasional pitfalls/negatives that may have undermined some personal relationships and the baseball world. His records on and off the field speak for themselves. He was the best Boston player ever and made children his priority, including Underwood's. The book also gives much more credit to Bobby Jo Ferrell, Ted's eldest daughter and the only sane offspring of the family. He is complimentary of her efforts to free Ted from his frozen fate. Knowing her personally, I share Underwood's opinion of her positive qualities and compassion - a smile that would captivate anyone.
We all know what Ted wanted after his death and it wasn't a macabre warehouse in Arizona where humans are vivisected and desecrated. Underwood has a persoanal video of Ted saying what he desired after death - cremation and dispersal with his dog's remains in the Keys. The book reads extremely well and will keep you spellbound as if you are there with Underwood in Ted's home in the Keys or in Hernando. One on one, you feel a part of the conversations. Nicely done and a must for Boston fans that cherished the Man and the game when it was a "game" not a business.

A must have for the "well versed" Williams fan.
Great book by John Underwood!
Those familiar with many Ted Williams books and articles will recognize some of the stories in the book, but anything with Ted talking "off the cuff" is great. The CD recording included with the book of Ted giving his opinions, experiences and thoughts is priceless! Mr. Underwood, if you read this you should release all of your Williams recordings on CD. I guarentee they'd be very popular!!

This should not be the first Ted Williams book you read. I suggest "My Turn at Bat" also by Underwood or "Ted Williams: An American Hero." by Leigh Montville as your first Williams read. ... Read more

Product Description
Heading into their ninth season, the expansion Washington Senators had never won more than 76 games in a season. New Senators owner Bob Short hired Hall of Famer Ted Williams to manage the team. Williams sparked the Senators to their only winning record for a Washington team since 1952. This book recounts that 1969 season in-depth. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Loving Washington Baseball History
The book is engaging and easy to read.One reviewer who was disappointed with the book seems to have been a Red Sox fan.He may not have been able to get into a story about baseball in Washington, DC, but there is a proud tradition here and this book covers important aspects of that story.

The author covers the 1969 season in detail and provides original insights into why baseball left the Nation's capital twice.I had heard some of this history elsewhere, but the book offers a more in-depth analysis than I have read before.The book focuses on Ted Williams, but primarily as the manager of the team and as a teacher.His career as a manager looked as rosy in 1969 as the Senators', but Williams was undercut by Bob Short just as effectively as the team itself.That is the story.How did Williams convince a team that almost lost 100 games that they could win, and then what happened to all of that.It's a great story and worth reading.The ending in the epilogue is particularly evocative.

Good Entry Point
As a National's fan, I found this book to be an excellent way to expand my knowledge of Washington baseball history. In addition, Ted Williams has always fascinated me and I enjoyed reading about this aspect of his career. The book reads well and provides new information on why the Senators failed and the problems Williams faced in DC during Bob Short's tenure as the team's owner.I think anyone who is interested in Washington baseball history will find their time with this book well spent and if they are not well-versed in that history, this is a good place to start.I appreciated the references to the larger events of 1969 and thought they provided a good backdrop to the central storyline.

Two Strikes
Ted Williams brief tenure as Senators' manager has always fascinated me.Very few major stars aside from Frank Robinson and Rogers Hornsby have tried their hands at the helm and Teddy Ballgame was one of the most outsized personalities in the history of the game.The fact that he chose the lowly Senators instead of his own Red Sox was also interesting.Finally, he brought the team from last place in 1968 to 10 games over 500 in his first year on the bench to finish only one game below the Red Sox.

1969 was an interesting year in the sport for other reasons.The previous season was the Year of the Pitcher.Denny McLain won 30 games, Bob Gibson's earned run average was under 1.2 and Yaz salvaged a small amount of hitters' pride by just edging his average over 300 to lead the junior circuit.As a result, the pitchers mound was lowered and the strike zone truncated to try to bring offense back into the game in 1969.

Finally, 1969 was a watershed year for the United States.Nixon had just entered the White House with a "secret plan" to end the Viet Nam war after the Democratic party had self-immolated at the Chicago convention.In the year after the tragic and history changing assisinations of Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy, the nation tried to rekindle its optimism by fulfilling the elder Kennedy's promise to land a man on the moon.

Author Ted Leavengood tries to weave all of this into his narrative.While the material is promising, the execution is lacking. The author seems to have little to say about Williams and the Senators beyond what anyone could read in the newspapers of the time.His sources include the Washington Post and Star, SI and the Sporting News and phone interviews with 5 Senator players.There is very little insight nor is there any inside information about the Splendid Splinter and his new role.

The second problem is the format chosen by the author.He covers the Senator season game by game.This can be effective in a season in which each game has meaning and there is a narrative thread which can be established.However, in this case, only the diehard 1960s baseball fan can maintain interest in a June road trip by the Nats to KC and Minnesota.

Finally, the writing itself is pedestrian.The reader is often brought up short by Leavengood's forced comparisoms of baseball and current events in 1969.Transitions like the following are common: "Overall Williams report card looked much better than Richard Nixon's...Unlike Nixon, Teddy Ballgame's plan was no secret.It was more and more batting practice, and it was working exactly as he had laid it out in the spring."

Unfortunately, with William's passing there is probably no way to get inside the story.The interested reader can only hope for a more imaginative and insightful synthesis if another researcher tries to realize the promise inherent in this story. ... Read more

Product Description
Ted Williams: The Pursuit of Perfection is filled to the brim with wonderful photos and stories about the man who reigns today as the elder statesman of baseball. Agreed by most to be the greatest pure hitter in the history of the game, Teddy Ballgame is a lot more. He's a military hero as well, having served in two wars and having flown combat missions with John Glenn as a United States Marine Corps jet fighter pilot. As a celebrity, he has lent his name to numerable charitable efforts, and his half-century of service in fighting children's cancer represents the longest association of any sports figure with a charitable cause. Among baseball fans, no one who watched the 1999 All-Star Game will ever forget the moment when all the great Hall of Famers from the game's past broke ranks on the field at Fenway Park and flocked around Ted once he was brought to the mound. It was a spontaneous show of love and admiration for Teddy Ballgame, the game's greatest. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great book, but be careful.
This is a great book, but basically it's the same book the authors put out in 1997 under the title "Ted Williams: A Tribute" They did add a CD.

A Must for Any Fan or Collector
I bought this book for my father, a diehard Ted Williams fan since childhood. He has read other books on Williams and says, by far, this is the best. The stories are fascinating and revealing, and offer little-known information, even if you followed his great career and life. The paper quality, design, and writing are superb, making it a wonderful keepsake or collector's piece. I would not hesitate to buy this as a gift for any sports fan, knowing they would not be disappointed. It would make a nice coffeetable piece in a den or sports-watching room. An absolutely wonderful book on all counts. ... Read more

Product Description
Linn, who saw Ted Williams play in his rookie year, probably knows more about the baseball great than anyone else alive. In this entertaining tribute to the fantastic hitter, Linn covers Williams' electrifying career, from his early days to his justly celebrated final time at bat in 1960. Photos.Amazon.com Review
This definitive biography of Ted Williams provides a balancedportrait of the man, the ballplayer, the war veteran, and thehitter. This last side of Williams--the man in the batter's box, thelast player to hit .400, the Splendid Splinter--is the most widely andfondly remembered. But Linn also gets beneath the varnish on the bat,examining the Williams known by teammates and sportswriters asdifficult and moody. Finally, this is an assessment of a ballplayerwho was frequently ignored by the press, despite accomplishments thelikes of which we may never see again on a professional diamond. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Teddy Ballgame gets his due
Ed Linn says that Williams was the greatest hitter of all-time, he should have won 5 MVP awards, and his 1941 season was more impressive than DiMaggio's 56-game hitting streak.That he gave up his potentially most productive years to fight in two wars says as much for his character as it does for his projected totals.The biggest hurdle to recognition was his rascally personality that alienated hometown Boston sportswriters.

In a media age, it is very hard for accomplishments to be recognized without supporting prose. But in Williams' case, his attitude not only cost him prose, but MVP votes from local sportswriters.Had the hometown scribes written glowingly about his .406 average in 1941 the way the New York papers lionized DiMaggio's hitting streak, he may have won his first MVP.Instead it took time for that accomplishment to be realized, and it continues to grow as the years pass without any .400 hitters.Add the two Triple Crowns he won without getting the award and you have to wonder what sportswriters were doing with their votes.

Linn doesn't comment much on Williams' years as the manager of the Washington Senators.It's just mentioned to say that Williams wasn't cut out to be a manager.He says a little about Williams' service record, but reminds us that he was John Glenn's wingman.And we get just enough about Williams home life to know that he wasn't the best husband.This book isn't about those things it's about Williams the great hitter.

Linn stresses that Williams proved his greatness by the way he played when his tools were diminishing in the 1950s.While the rest of his body was breaking down with injuries his bat could still light up a ballgame.That he won the 1958 batting title at age of 39 is a feat that Linn says is amazing.Linn makes a dramatic telling of his last at bat home run by explaining Williams before and after the contest.

This is an informative and thorough telling of Williams the ballplayer and a good choice if you want to know more about Williams and his era in the big leagues.

What a great book!
If you want to know everything you possibly can about Ted and his effect on the game you need to read this book.

The Authoritative History of Ted Williams
This is an absolutely FABULOUS book. It details not only the career, but also the life of the greatest hitter who ever lived.I am generally not a big book reader, but I could not put this one down, reading it in a little over a day. I guarantee that if you are a baseball fan, you will love this book!

Excellent Biography
Biographies often waste time describing things like the "childhood home".While this book gives an overview of Williams' early life, it focuses on his historical impact on baseball and his attitudes toward the game. Linn does an excellent job of measuring Williams statistically and creating the perspective of his career that, as a 34 year old, I did not get to experience first hand.An understanding of each season, his teammates and adversaries, creates for me an appreciation that did not exist before. Some great segments on Ted's mentality toward the game and hitting specifically, was great not only for me but also my 10 year old. Note: this is a biography NOT an instructional manual - see The Science of Hitting for the "other half of the story.

HITTER is like a triple off the Green Monster...
Ed Linn's HITTER is a excellent biography on Ted Williams life and baseball career. It's a solid 400 pages about Williams, his youth, his personality quirks and flaws, his talent at hitting a baseball, and hisglorious seasons at Fenway Park. What Ed Linn does best is to write aboutThe Kid's best seasons and comparing them to other baseball greats usingstatistical analysis. Also the many stories about Williams' war with theBoston Press. Linn was very careful to write both the good and bad ofWilliams, and is not afraid to criticize his behavior. The only reasons whythis book isnt a home run is because I feel that there could have been moredetails in certain situations,or maybe Linn suffers from the same problemas Ted Williams had in front of the Fenway Crowd, they both did such a goodjob that you just wanted a little more from them. ... Read more

Product Description
The years before Ted Williams came to Boston were the formative years that created The Kid and shaped the Splendid Splinter. He was lucky to have grown up in San Diego, he often said, where a kid can play baseball year-round. At the same time he recognized that had he been seen as Hispanic (his maternal grandparents were both Mexican), he would have suffered from the prejudices of the day. A high school hero and a solid player for two seasons with his hometown San Diego Padres, Ted Williams came from a remarkable family – his mother a Salvation Army evangelist and his father a photographer, and uncles who were cowboys, longshoremen, cement truck drivers, mariachi musicians, and ballplayers. Nine members of the Society for American Baseball Research contribute detailed accounts of Ted’s sandlot games, his high school career, his two years with the Padres, and even his year in Minneapolis before becoming Boston’s best ballplayer – and very possibly the greatest hitter who ever lived.

Inspired by and published in collaboration with the Ted Williams (San Diego) chapter of the Society for American Baseball Research, and with the cooperation and support of the San Diego Hall of Champions and the Ted Williams Museum. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great information, but......
This book was a very pleasant surprise. It is one book that details his early years in San Diego. Reading of Ted's high school games, tournaments, the PCL, his exibition games in SD,etc, was great. Unfortunately the second half really bogs down with some information that I was not interested in. Researching the origins of his family; the father's military and work record; etc. were not the things I was looking for. Too much time was spent debating the years his parents were born - and then never really coming to a conclusion. Again, there was too much in the second half of the book that was of very little interest to me. I would rate the first half of the book 5 stars. The second half detracts from the book.

I would read it again
Ive read 8 books in the last year about ted williams and I found that this book doesnt talk as much about his life but more of his statistics throughout his years in the PCL , AA , HS , and MLB. It is amazing that they were able to find the statistics they did for his highschool days and the few tournaments he played in. But if you are going for a more complete book about his life I would go with Ted Williams: The Biography of an American Hero by Leigh Montville. ... Read more

Product Description
Baseball Hall of Famer Ted Williams is probably the greatest hitter who ever lived, yet he is much more. He is a man who fought for his country in World War II and Korea, and a man who spoke up eloquently for the induction of blacks to the Hall of Fame before it was popular to do so. Ted Williams: A Tribute pays unique homage to a man whose impact transcends the sport. Color photos.Amazon.com Review
The fun of this celebration of one of baseball's greatesthitters is not in the expected encomiums from a clubhouse of fellowballplayers, the many nostalgic photographs, or even the bits ofWilliams collectibles it displays. It's in the tribute's surprises,and there are many: Shoeless Joeauthor W. P. Kinsella's fictional reportage of an imagined encounterbetween Williams and Jackson; senator John Glenn's recollection offlying fighter missions with Williams in Korea; basketball coach BobbyKnight's account of a plane ride with Williams for a fishing trip inRussia; and the tribute's valedictory, Boston Globe columnistMike Barnicle's emotional panegyric to the 50th anniversary of theseason Williams hit .406. Whether Teddy Ballgame is the greatesthitter who ever lived is certainly debatable; that he isunquestionably one of the most appreciated and studied is evident onevery page of this splendid homage. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Teddy Ballgame is the Greatest!!!
This book is a fitting tribute to a hero and man among men in the sport of baseball.The book is full of great pictures and inspiring stories about the Kid.A must for William's fans and baseball fanatics.Enjoy!!

Best book ever!!
Hi This was a great book and I loved the way it was written! i recomend it to all who like baseball....he he. Jim Prime I love you ...giggle giggle!!

TYRA B.

Best Sports Book Ever!!
This is the best book that I have ever read regarding the best hitter ever Ted Williams. Jim Prime has done an excellent job and he deservers an award for this great book. I recomend this book for anyone who is a baseball fan.Jim Prime I salute you!!You are the Best Writer ever and I now consider myself your biggest fan!!

I've read a lot of books on Ted and this one is tops!
I've read just about all the books on Ted and this one is right up there.I can't believe the interviews these authors got - from John Glenn on serving with Ted in Korea to the connection between Ted and Jack Kerouac.Some very touching stories, too, about "The Kid and The Kids." Ted made all kinds of time for kids with cancer.There isn't that much on Ted's controversial son or on his family life in general.It seems like the authors were respectful of his privacy. There must be a couple of hundred photos before, and many of them I'd never seen.I didn't think there was that much more to be said about Ted - boy, was I wrong.I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Product Description
This book is an autobiography of Russ Kemmerer, who played for nine years in the major leagues. ... Read more

Product Description
With 48 pages of black-and-white photos, a chronicle of Williams boyhood days in San Diego, through his incredible performance with the Boston Red Sox, to his job as manager of the Washington Senators ... Read more

Product Description
High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Theodore Samuel "Ted" Williams (August 30, 1918?July 5, 2002) was a left fielder in Major League Baseball. He played 21 seasons with the Boston Red Sox, twice interrupted by military service as a Marine Corps pilot. Nicknamed The Kid, the Splendid Splinter, Teddy Ballgame, and The Thumper, he is widely considered one of the greatest hitters ever.Williams was a two-time American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) winner, led the league in batting six times, and won the Triple Crown twice. He had a career batting average of .344, with 521 home runs, and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1966. He is the last player in Major League Baseball to bat over .400 in a single season (.406 in 1941). ... Read more