Ted Williams played his last game 17 years before I was born, but I’ve been heavily invested in the myth of one of baseball’s greatest hitters since I was a kid. In addition to being a nineteen-time All-Star, a two-time American League MVP, and a two-time Triple Crown winner, Williams was a pilot, flight instructor, and avid fisherman.
The lone red seat pictured here between me and my brother in law marks the spot in Fenway Park’s right-field bleachers where Williams’ June 9, 1946 home run landed. The 502-foot shot remains the longest home run ever hit in Fenway.
One of my favorite pieces of sports memorabilia is this official American League ball signed by The Splendid Splinter.