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On August 30, 1918 in San Diego, California, Theodore Samuel Williams most formally known as Ted Williams was born. He was also nicknamed several other names such as The Kid, The Thumper and The Splendid Splinter. On July 5, 2002 in Inverness, Florida the beloved Ted passed away. When he was young he was an astounding hitter, and as a left-handed hitting he got himself noticed by a scout. When Williams graduated high school, he signed with the San Diego Padres of the Pacific Coast League. Two seasons later, the Red Sox bought him. He spent one season in the minors, and then broke in as Boston's 20-year-old right fielder. The next year, hitting .327 with 31 home runs in 1939. The Splendid Splinter dominated the 1940s. In his seven seasons that decade, he won four home-run titles; four batting crowns and six times led the American League in runs batted in. Williams tipped his hat for every home run that season. He was embraced as "The Kid," and Boston had visions of a man who one day might break Babe Ruth's home-run record. Ted Williams, the hard-hitting kid, outfielder of the Boston red Sox, should be an example to all young players and a guide to older performers in showing what persistence will do. It is unusual for a young