Results 1 to 8 of 8
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03-22-2009, 07:26 PM #1
My experience with Ted Williams
I posted this in response to a thread about autograph hounds, but thought I would share.
When I was 10 years old my grandfather (recently passed away) took my to a Hot Stove League event in Raleigh NC. Bobby Richardson was there to speak and spend time with the fans, but everyone was there to see the Splendid Splinter, Ted Williams. As soon as he entered the room, 70% of those in attendance rushed him for an autograph. My grandfather, Ben, actually played with Ted for a few years in Boston. Ben was also 6′4″ and had a great deep voice. He took me by the hand and we made our way beside the last man to hit .400 in MLB. They had a nice conversation and my grandfather introduced me to Mr. Williams and told Ted how good of a ball player I was. I had brought a ball along with me to get signed. It was a baseball (with my name, team and stats on it) I received that year for the good season I had in Little League. Ted asked it I wanted something signed and I proudly showed him that ball. He looked puzzled, “Ummm, don’t you want me to sign an official ball?” My grandfather said, “Ted, I asked him the same thing, but he wants you to sign HIS ball. It means more to him.”
And it really did. I loved baseball and I loved the fact that my grandfather played with one of the greatest hitters to ever hold a Louisville slugger. It meant more to me to have Ted’s signature on a ball that was given to me to commemorate my year playing baseball. It was different then. I could have cared less about the monetary value of that ball. Unfortunately, I’m pretty sure I would do things differently if given the same opportunity today.
But, the memory of that event really is priceless.
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03-22-2009, 07:44 PM #2
Great story. I think the value that experience has to you outweighs any $$ you could get for the Ted Williams autograph. I also doubt you would sell it for almost any price.
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03-22-2009, 07:45 PM #3
great story dude!
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03-22-2009, 07:47 PM #4
great story, must've been awesome to meet Ted!
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03-22-2009, 08:20 PM #5
nice story..who was your grandfather?
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03-23-2009, 11:15 AM #6
Ben Flowers.
He has a 55 Bowman card when he pitched with the Tigers.
I remember he had people mail him cards and pictures to sign through the mail all the time. That was pretty cool.
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03-23-2009, 07:06 PM #7
cool story man, that would be sweet to meet a legend like him
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03-23-2009, 10:11 PM #8
yeah, cool story to hear. also cool that your grandfather made it to the big leagues...
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Originally Posted by redsoxhybrid 
