# Ted Williams > American baseball player and fighter pilot **Wikidata**: [Q172478](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q172478) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Williams) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ted-williams ## Summary Ted Williams was an American baseball player and fighter pilot, widely regarded as one of the greatest hitters in Major League Baseball history. He is best known for his exceptional career with the Boston Red Sox and his distinguished service as a military aviator during World War II and the Korean War. ## Biography - Born: August 30, 1918 - Nationality: United States - Education: None specified in source material - Known for: Exceptional batting skill in Major League Baseball and military service - Employer(s): Boston Red Sox (MLB), United States Navy, United States Marine Corps - Field(s): Professional Baseball, Military Aviation ## Contributions Ted Williams made significant contributions to both professional baseball and military aviation: - **Baseball Career**: Williams played his entire 19-year Major League career with the Boston Red Sox, retiring in 1960. He was a two-time American League Most Valuable Player (1946, 1949) and a 17-time All-Star. His career on-base plus slugging (OPS) of 1.026 remains one of the highest in MLB history. - **Military Service**: He served as a fighter pilot in the United States Navy and Marine Corps during World War II and the Korean War, flying combat missions and earning the Air Medal for his service. ## FAQs **What is Ted Williams most famous for?** Ted Williams is most famous for being one of the greatest hitters in Major League Baseball history, with a career batting average of .344 and an on-base percentage of .482. He is also known for his military service as a fighter pilot. **Which teams did Ted Williams play for?** Ted Williams played his entire Major League Baseball career with the Boston Red Sox from 1939 to 1960, with breaks for military service during World War II and the Korean War. **Did Ted Williams serve in the military?** Yes, Ted Williams served as a fighter pilot in the United States Navy during World War II and later in the Korean War. He flew combat missions and earned the Air Medal for his service. **What awards did Ted Williams receive?** Ted Williams received numerous awards, including two American League Most Valuable Player Awards (1946, 1949), 17 All-Star selections, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1966. **What is Ted Williams's real name?** Ted Williams's real name is Theodore Samuel Williams. He was also known by several nicknames, including "Teddy Ballgame," "The Kid," "The Splendid Splinter," and "Thumper." ## Why They Matter Ted Williams matters for his unparalleled excellence in baseball, particularly as one of the greatest hitters in the sport's history. His statistical achievements, including a career on-base percentage of .482 and a .344 batting average, remain benchmarks for offensive performance. His military service during two major conflicts also exemplifies his commitment to his country, bridging athletic and civic duty in a way that inspired generations. His legacy continues to influence both baseball analytics and military service recognition. ## Notable For - Highest career on-base percentage in MLB history (.482) - Two-time American League Most Valuable Player (1946, 1949) - 17-time All-Star - Inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1966 - Recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom - Served as a fighter pilot in World War II and the Korean War - Awarded the Air Medal for military service - Member of the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame - Known by multiple iconic nicknames: "Teddy Ballgame," "The Kid," "The Splendid Splinter," "Thumper" ## Body ### Early Life and Identity Ted Williams, born Theodore Samuel Williams on August 30, 1918, was an American professional baseball player and military aviator. He became one of the most celebrated figures in Major League Baseball history, known for his extraordinary hitting ability and disciplined approach at the plate. His full name and various aliases reflect a larger-than-life persona that extended beyond sports. ### Baseball Career Ted Williams played his entire Major League career with the Boston Red Sox from 1939 to 1960, with interruptions for military service. His career statistics include: - A .344 batting average - A .482 on-base percentage - 521 home runs - 17 All-Star selections - Two American League MVP awards (1946, 1949) His final game, on September 28, 1960, marked the end of a storied career that left an indelible mark on the sport. Williams was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1966, cementing his legacy as one of the game's all-time greats. ### Military Service During World War II, Williams served as a Naval aviator, flying missions in the Pacific Theater. He was recalled to active duty during the Korean War, where he continued to serve with distinction. His military decorations include the Air Medal, and his service exemplified the dual commitment he held to both country and sport. ### Recognition and Awards Ted Williams received numerous honors throughout his life: - Inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame (1966) - Recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom - Multiple MVP awards and All-Star selections - Recognition in the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame His awards reflect not only his athletic prowess but also his broader contributions to American culture and history. ### Legacy and Influence Ted Williams's influence extends beyond baseball. His approach to hitting, statistical excellence, and military service have made him a symbol of excellence and duty. His career continues to be studied by players, analysts, and historians, and his impact on the game is evident in the continued reverence for his achievements. Williams passed away on July 5, 2002, but his legacy endures through his records, his influence on the sport, and the inspiration he provided to countless athletes and fans. ## References 1. Library of Congress Authorities 2. Czech National Authority Database 3. baseballhall.org 4. [Source](https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47639) 5. [MLB.com](http://m.mlb.com/awards/history-winners/?award_id=ALMVP) 6. International Standard Name Identifier 7. Library of Congress Name Authority File 8. Virtual International Authority File 9. CiNii Research 10. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 11. SNAC 12. Find a Grave 13. BnF authorities 14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 15. [Source](https://www.alcor.org/press/alcor-press-releases-re-ted-williams/)