Meeting Ted

I first met Ted in the gym where Coach Ralph would have us throw rubber baseballs around until we couldn’t deal with the indoors anymore and the weather cooperated. I had played 10 years for one team or another in town and Ted---well he just came in the door. He might have escaped my attention that first day except for something he said to me. He walked right up to me and extended his hand. I understand you are the team captain. My name is Ted Williams and I will be the fucking right-fielder. That is how I met Ted Williams. He made a lasting impression.