Ted Williams

Ted Williams, “The Splendid Splinter,” was not only one of the greatest hitters in baseball history, but also one of the few white superstars of his era to publicly support the recognition and inclusion of Negro League players. A two-time MVP, six-time batting champion, and the last Major Leaguer to hit over .400 (.406 in 1941), Williams spent his entire 19-year career with the Boston Red Sox and finished with 521 home runs and a .344 career average. He missed nearly five full seasons serving as a fighter pilot in World War II and the Korean War, making his accomplishments all the more remarkable.

During his 1966 Hall of Fame induction speech, Williams broke from the usual script and called explicitly for the inclusion of Negro League legends in Cooperstown. “I hope that someday the names of Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson can be added as symbols of those great Negro League players who are not here only because they weren’t given the chance,” he said. Though he was known to have vocally supported pro-segregation politicians in the 1960s, Williams believed that the Hall should be active in righting the wrong of the past. His remarks were instrumental in paving the way for the Hall to begin honoring Black stars of the segregated era.