TEDDY BASEBALL’S FINAL SWING

First, let’s set the scene: It’s the end of September
In 1960, a Wednesday afternoon that has been
Described by different witnesses as cold and
Dreary, raw and windy, dull, damp – – – a day
That 42 year old Ted Williams would be playing
His final game before a few more than 10,000
Die-hard fans, there to show respect to the
Splendid Splinter (and not to their seventh
Place Beantown team). Because of the wet
Atmosphere, the ball was moisture heavy and not
At all carrying. Add to that a steady potent wind
Coming in from right field, and the odds weighed
Heavily against Ted hitting homer number 521,
A respectable number for a productive career,
An outstanding number for a career that was
Interrupted twice during Ted’s prime by
Military service, for a total of almost five years.
That day. After walking, he hit two lofty flies
Heading toward those right field stands but
Stymied by that wind and caught just shy of
The stands, to the doubtless groans of
Disappointed faithful fans who appreciated
The historic significance of that final day.

Then came inning number eight and Ted’s
Forever final time at bat. This was the level
Of drama that Miller, Williams, even the
Immortal Bard would seek out as a climax.
Mano-a-mano . . . young Oriole Jack Fisher
Faced weary but prideful Theodore Williams,
And when Ted swung and missed a fastball
Headed for the middle of the plate, a fantasy
Sense of “Casey at the Bat” drifted from
Nearby Worcester and the enthusiastic
Boston fans let out a universal groan
(Admittedly more imagination than reality
But a logical reaction to be expected).
The next pitch would today recall that blast
Smashed against the lights in right by
The natural slugger Roy Hobbs! Ted sent it 440 feet into the
Stands and proceeded to round the bases, head gazing down,
Following his practice of not tipping his cap as a way of
Acknowledging the fans’ applause. He admitted later that,
Considering the circumstances, he’d thought about it but
Instead, he ran from home into the dugout looking down.
The ump, teammates, even his manager motioned for him to
Respond to the fans’ desire for a curtain call – – – but he
Refused to leave the dugout, wave to the fans and tip his
Cap; Instead, he waved them off and signaled for the game to
Continue – – – for the game, the season and his career to end.

So, all things considered, we are left with wondering why, on
This hum-drum yet special afternoon, was there no curtain
Call? You must consider the man, not the player. He was,
In fact, much more than just an athlete. He had served in
Two wars, was familiar with danger and death and therefore
With Life and the place in living of a sport, the national pastime!
He understood pride and respect – – – for the fans, for the other
Team. Perhaps to Ted a curtain call disrespected his opponents.
He was all business. He responded to the moment as he always
Had, with grace and dignity, not with showmanship and swagger.