Ted Williams

On this date in 1960, Ted Williams hits his 500th career home run.

"If you don't think too good, don't think too much."

Tony Gwynn: 1960 - 2014

"Ted Williams said that now and then, he would smell smoke when he fouled a ball off - and I do too. When the seams hit the bat just right, I smell smoke."

RIP

Willie McCovey

On this date in 1980, Willie McCovey hits his 521st, and final, career home run. His shot ties him with Ted Williams on the all-time list.

"Guys used to kid Don Drysdale about McCovey. Willie was the one guy Don was reluctant to face. In four and a half years I played with Don, I think McCovey was the only player he was afraid of physically." - Don Sutton

Ted Williams

On this date in 1966, Ted Williams is elected to the Hall of Fame.

"There is only one way to become a better hitter. Go up to the plate and get mad. Get mad at yourself and mad at the pitcher."

Ted Williams

On this date in 1969, Ted Williams is named the manager of the Senators.

"All managers are losers. They are the most expendable pieces of furniture on the face of the earth."

Jim Kaat

Ted Williams started his career in 1939.

Julio Franco's ended in 2007.

One guy faced them both.

Cecil Travis

On this date in 2006, Cecil Travis passed away at age 93.

"Cecil Travis is one of the five best left-handers I ever saw." - Ted Williams

Eddie Popowski

On this date in 2001, Eddie Popowski passed away at age 88.

"Pop (in his 80's) would drive Ted Williams around in a golf cart in spring training and one day a large crowd descended on Ted for autographs. Pop just sat in the cart with his arms folded watching. A guy came over to him and said 'Aren't you Eddie Popowski?' Well my dad got all pumped up and he said 'Why yes I am.' The guy said 'I thought you were dead, but you look good.'" - daughter Carole Garbowski

Ted Williams

On this date in 1946, Ted Williams wins the AL MVP.

"A man has to have goals - for a day, for a lifetime - and that was mine, to make people say 'There goes Ted Williams, the greatest hitter who ever lived.'"

Mule Haas

Born on today's date, Mule Haas.

"Ted Williams didn't have much of a sense of humor when it came to riding from the opposing bench. We really got on him after an interview saying he once considered being a fireman. Well, every time he came up, we'd sound off like sirens and bang any pipes in the dugout. That used to get him." - as a coach of the White Sox

Ted Williams

On this date in 1957, Ted Williams becomes the oldest batting champ when the 39-year-old finishes the season with a .388 average.

"I got a big charge out of seeing Ted Williams hit. Once they let me try to field some of them, which sort of dimmed my enthusiasm." - Rocky Bridges  

Joe McCarthy

On this date in 1947, Joe McCarthy comes out of retirement to manage the Red Sox for the 1948 season.

"A manager who cannot get along with a .400 hitter ought to get his head examined." - when asked how he would get along with Ted Williams

Ted Williams

On this date in 1966, Ted Williams is inducted into the Hall of Fame.

"God gets you to the plate, but once you're there, you're on your own."

Ted Williams

On this date in 2002, Ted Williams passed away at age 83.

"Gods don't answer letters." - John Updike on Ted Williams' failure to acknowledge fans' cheers after his last home run

Bob Lemon

On this date in 1948, Bob lemon of the Indians pitches a no-hitter beating the Tigers 2-0.

"His ball was always moving, hard, sinking, fast-breaking. You could never really uhmmmph with Lemon." - Ted Williams 

Ted Williams

On this date in 1960, Ted Williams hit his 500th career home run.

"You'll get one good pitch to hit. One good pitch. That's all. Don't count on more."

Rod Carew

On this date in 1986, Rod Carew retired from baseball.

"Some guys, and I put myself in this category, have to snort and fume to get everything going. Carew doesn't. He's smooth. He seems to be doing it without trying." - Ted Williams

Roy Sievers

On this date in 1954, the Senators get Roy Sievers from the Orioles for Gil Coan.

"Ted, you deprived me of the Triple Crown." - to Ted Williams in 1957 after he led the league in home runs and rbis but Williams beat him in batting average by 87 points

Ted Williams

On this date in 1969, the Senators name Ted Williams as their new manager.

"All managers are losers. They are the most expendable piece of furniture on the face of the Earth."

Cecil Travis

On this date in 2006, Cecil Travis passed away at age 93.

"Cecil Travis is one of the five best left-handers I ever saw." - Ted Williams