Ted Williams, My Father

This warm, loving memoir by the youngest daughter of Ted Williams (1918–2002) provides personal insights into the great Red Sox slugger. In contrast to recent full-length biographies by Leigh Montville and Ben Bradlee Jr, this title explores the all-too-human qualities, both noble and less fortunate, of its remarkable subject while placing little emphasis on his storied baseball career. Claudia Williams does, of course, recall her father's determination to become the greatest hitter in major league history but she spends much more time on his hunting prowess and particularly his fishing exploits, which were perhaps as legendary as those on the baseball diamond. The author remembers his loud, booming voice, replete with expletives; his explosive temper; his perfectionism; and his all-too frequent careless treatment of even those closest to him, including his wives and children. But she also emphasizes Ted's loving nature, his zest for life, and the many kind deeds he performed for others, most of which he didn't allow to be publicized.