Ted Williams, "The Splendid Splinter," was one of the best hitters of all time and is the last baseball player to hit over.400. His scientific view of hitting changed the dynamics of the game forever. But he was also probably the least celebrated modern-day baseball hero. While he had the makings of stardom, he was unable to cultivate the followings enjoyed by less talented but more amiable players, such as his contemporary Joe DiMaggio.

On August 30, 1918, Theodore Samuel Williams was born in San Diego, California, into a lower-middle class family. His parents worked constantly, leaving him plenty of time to play baseball. When he was seventeen he signed with the hometown San Diego Padres. But after only one year, he was sold to the Boston Red Sox.

Ted Williams

Ted Williams proved himself immediately when he started for the Red Sox in 1939. He led...