Seeing Ted Williams in Managerial Debut Among Biggest Thrills

By LEO E. CLOUTIER

WASHINGTON, D.C.- In a quarter of a century plus a decade of covering major league baseball from all aspects - spring training, regular-season play, All-Star game, World Series and Hall of Fame ceremonies - I thought I had just about experienced and enjoyed all of the thrills possible to this very day.

However, on the opening of baseball's 100th anniversary in Robert Kennedy Stadium in this great city several years ago, I learned differently.

TREMENDOUS STANDING OVATION BY 45,113 FANS

The occasion featured the game between the Washington Senators and New York Yankees and, of much more importance and significance to many, it marked the big-time managerial debut of a man whom I've been most fortunate and proud to consider for more than a score of years the best friend I ever had in the game - Ted Williams.

I must say that it was really something to behold, not only to be among the opening-day record-breaking throng of 45,113 fans which stormed the beautiful Kennedy Stadium, but to be in the dugout with the big fellow as he embarked on his maiden voyage as skipper of the Senators was something else. I seemed to enjoy everything that he did and probably doubly so, for I could see everything and every bit of enjoyment which he was experiencing through his own eyes.

Prior to the game itself, a highlight of the festivities was that when the park announcer called off the names of the players of both teams and, as he did so, each one rushed out of the dugout in a job and took his position along the baselines - the Yankees, third, and the Senators, first.

The Yankees were first to line up and then came the Senators. After the players were introduced, only the coaches and Ted remained to be called and next-to-the-last was Coach George Susce.

After Susce left the dugout, I was left alone with Williams. I've never seen him in such a nervous state.

"Boy, isn't this something, Leo?" Ted said. "I sure wish he'd call out my name so that I can rush up there and get it over with."

At exactly 1:17 p.m., the announcer called Ted's name and the big boy emerged from the Senators' dugout and began to jog to home plate. It was a bashful trudge. His head was hung and his neck cocked a bit, like that of a small boy reluctant to meet all the relatives. He would have been much more comfortable up there with a bat in his hands, the bases loaded and the count three and two.

MEMORABLE MOMENT AS CHILLS TAKE OVER

As he started his jog to the home dish, everyone in attendance - 45,113 strong - rose and rendered the last of the .400 hitters probably the greatest standing ovation it has ever been his pleasure to hear.

The memorable moment made the chills trickle up and down your spine and it did your heart worlds of good to see one of the greatest players the game has ever known receive such a deserved tribute.

Needless to say, it was that particular moment in the history of baseball that anyone would have told you would never happen. Everybody of intelligence knew that Ted Williams would have no more of baseball, that he hadn't seen more than a half dozen games a season, if that many, since he hung up his toggery in 1960. Lure the passionate fisherman from his favorite Florida fishing spots, especially his home environs, Th' Islamorada, on Th' Keys? Never!

Ted's return to our national pastime has proved to be one of the most durable shocks every. The seismic tremors are still registering. The tremendous impact may never subside. The Senators now boast an image. They are no longer dismissed as a mere second-division ball club. With Ted at the managerial helm, they are a curiosity.

Probably with the exception of the colorful and inimitable Casey Stengel of Yankee and Met fame, baseball has nevery known a manager who could lure the fans to the ball park. However, in Ted Williams, the game now has such an attraction. He is more than a novelty. He is a living surprise, sprung on elated baseballdom in general and Washington in particular.

There is no doubt but that Ted's progress as pilot of the Senators will be closely watched by the skeptics who are quick to point out that he may rue the day he decided to come back and in managerial toggery.

Ted is so determined to make good, to tackle this monumental task of moulding the Senators into a winning club, that he will strive his utmost with all of his God-given talents to achieve his goal. It may take three, four or maybe five years, but he'll do it.

BIG TED DETERMINED TO MAKE GOOD

In compiling the countless records that he did in his 22 amazing years as an outstanding player with the Red Sox, it didn't all come easy. There were many days when things did not go his way, days when he became aggravated with himself, etc.

Many were the occasions when he told me stories which, if put together in book-form, would have been a best-seller. But he told me those stories as a friend and not as a sportswriter. I must say that I never betrayed his confidence and that probably has contributed more to our mutual admiration and friendship over the years than anything else.

For Big Ted, the skipper of the Senators, the inner conflicts will be many, but he has made a point of saying to all and sundry that he has signed a contract with Owner Bob Short and, with God's guiding hand, plans to fulfill his obligation to the best of his ability.

Knowing Ted as I do, he will do just that, and a little more, too.

In closing, I would like to offer this thought for the day-"If you can find nothing else to smile at, there is always yourself."

close window