Ted Williams, My Father - Hardcover

Williams, Claudia

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0062259563 ISBN 13: 9780062259561

Publisher: Ecco Pr, 2014

Synopsis

In this poignant memoir, Claudia Williams, the last surviving child of legendary Boston Red Sox great and Hall of Famer Ted Williams, tells her father's story, including never-before-told anecdotes about his life on and off the field that reveal the flesh and blood man behind "The Kid."Born after her father retired from baseball, Claudia Williams grew up with little idea that her dad was one of the most revered sports figures of all time--until she finally saw him in uniform at Fenway Park, receiving the adulation of thousands of fans.Now in this moving and surprising memoir, Claudia offers an unexpected look at Ted Williams, viewed from a unique and fresh perspective. Here she recalls her childhood growing up with a baseball legend after his heyday, capturing their loving yet tumultuous relationship, and shares the beloved stories he passed on to her. Reconciling his talent on the field with his life off of it, Claudia reveals the myriad passions--including baseball and much more--which shaped who he was. She also speaks candidly for the first time about his controversial choice to be cryogenically preserved after his death.Complete with sixteen pages of never-before-seen color photographs, told with sincerity and heart, Claudia William's poignant memoir is a love letter to New England and one of its greatest sons--Ted Williams--the champion, the man, and most importantly, the father.

About this title

Review:

"In her forthright, uncompromising but loving memoir Claudia Williams recalls life with her famous father...Few sports figures have attracted as many authors as Ted Williams; there are Ted books aplenty. But this memoir truly stands out, simply because it offers insights no other author could."--Boston Globe

In her forthright, uncompromising but loving memoir Claudia Williams recalls life with her famous father Few sports figures have attracted as many authors as Ted Williams; there are Ted books aplenty. But this memoir truly stands out, simply because it offers insights no other author could. --Boston Globe"

From the Back Cover:

Candid and unforgettable, a daughter's story of family, devotion, and growing up with the greatest hitter who ever lived

Claudia Williams first heard the crowds of Fenway Park scream her father's name two decades after he retired from the game. The world knew him as Ted Williams, The Kid, and Teddy Ballgame; at age ten, Claudia only knew him as Dad. Their life together had little to do with Triple Crowns and batting titles--instead their world consisted of casting fishing lines in New Brunswick, cross-country road trips, and squabbling at "feeding time."

Now, in this tender and surprising memoir, Claudia, Ted Williams's last surviving child, recounts her time with one of baseball's brightest stars, offering a rare glimpse inside the Hall of Famer's life after he hung up his spikes. With a fresh insight, she presents an unexpected portrait of Ted Williams as more than the greatest hitter to ever live, but also as a flawed man with a kind heart. Having the larger-than-life and often intimidating "Kid" as a father was tumultuous, but never boring, and along with her older brother, John-Henry, Claudia learned to navigate their father's hot temper and eccentricities to get to know the great man beneath.

Though Claudia grew up in her brother's shadow, she proved herself as an athlete and a daughter, ultimately becoming her father's caretaker and confidante. Their relationship evolved throughout her life, but they eventually formed a bond built on love, respect, and loyalty that both she and her brother shared. Opening up for the first time about the rumors that her family faced during Ted Williams's final years as well as his controversial choice to be cryogenically preserved after his death, Claudia details the full story behind her father's decision, showing that, rather than an impulsive act in his last days, it was the product of extensive family discussion that addressed his doubts about organized religion and his struggle with the end of life.

Filled with personal stories of his strengths and weaknesses, accomplishments and regrets, Claudia's poignant account tells the story of a complicated man and the family he loved. Complete with sixteen pages of photos, Ted Williams, My Father is a love letter to Claudia's lost dynasty and her greatest hero, Ted Williams.

About this edition

• Publisher: Ecco Pr
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 0062259563
• ISBN 13: 9780062259561
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 307