Boston Red Sox legend Ted Williams had a brilliant MLB career.
He couldn’t win the World Series title at any point, but really didn’t need one to be considered one of the best players ever to put on a uniform.
“Teddy Ballgame” hit .406 in 1941 and was in MLB from 1939 to 1960, excluding three years in the 1940s because of World War II.
His finest season, however, came in 1946.
He had served for his country for three years, from 1943 to 1945.
Upon returning, in 1946, he was better than ever, winning MVP honors and taking his team to the World Series.
“Ted Williams was named American League MVP #OTD in 1946. He returned to the @RedSox after missing the previous three seasons while serving in the Marines and led Boston to its first pennant in 28 years,” the National Baseball Hall of Fame tweeted.
Ted Williams was named American League MVP #OTD in 1946. He returned to the @RedSox after missing the previous three seasons while serving in the Marines and led Boston to its first pennant in 28 years. pic.twitter.com/WxwPTlu5N0
— National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum ⚾ (@baseballhall) November 14, 2022
The Red Sox had seen almost 30 years go by since their last pennant, even during the start of Williams’ career.
Williams Was Injured In The World Series
Unfortunately, Williams played in the Series injured.
He couldn’t be much of a factor, but refused to blame the injury.
He didn’t want to give any excuses, but only hit .200 in 25 at-bats with just one RBI.
The St. Louis Cardinals ended up winning the Fall Classic, 4-3, but only God knows what Williams could have done if fully healthy.
Despite the World Series loss, the Red Sox were happy to get their man back after such a long layoff.
He would go on to play his entire career with a Red Sox uniform, and wore it all the way to the Hall of Fame.
He was a first-ballot inductee in 1966.
In that 1946 season, he won the first of two MVP awards.
It was a year to remember for him.
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