Evening star., 1953-07-01

the Red Sox dressing in Sarasota Flar
in late March, 1882 Ted had just received
his orders to report for duty to the Marines
for basic jet flying instructions. Williams Francis stAnn
glumly peeing off his sweat-dampened uniform and
Sports Editor John Carmichael Of the Chicago Daily News sad
Don't let it get you down, Ted. You'll be back"
II doubt it," Williams replied I'm S4 If I'm lucky I'll
be S6 or 81 before play ball. I'm old right now
Imagine what I'll be three years from now"
TED WAS COUNTING three-year tour of duty,
which would have made him close ST. He getting out
bit earlier because of alment Sitting bench that
day in though you could sense what was running
through Teds mind In sharp contrast to his lifetime 347
and in sharper contrast to his peak o6 in 1s41
when he only % Williams had struggled the previous
two seasons to hit 317 and 318.
Personally" he pair reporters that day. "I don't
think I'll play ball again. don't intend to make fool of
myself"
On May of 50 he donned the familiar Marine green
flying uniform familiar because for the second time
eight And then he shipped Korea to fly
the craggy hills and enemy ant-aircraft batteries
route to the United States for hospital treat
ment Optmss feel he may play few games for Boston
this season. but they undoubtedly optmists
always easy be admitted a naval hospital but
thing is certain-it's harder to get out.
*+*
WILLIAMS is ONE of the few second time ball players
serving the country concerned At the of %
Outhelder Bob Kennedy hen of the White of the
Indans) tapped Kennedy like williams, flyer He
sprung 26 and called back at 32 He's back in base
ball, but not doing much. And Kennedy is few years
younger than Ted.
Inhelder Gerry Coleman of the Yankees was called up
at 49, when he minor Lacquer. He few something like
combat missions before he returned 22 to continue his
Then he graduated to the Yankees and fancy
route to riches and fame when Uncle
Sam tapped him again. He left for the second time at %
and he's still flying SabrejetS
ball player is or younger apparently
plete of duty service still hold reasonable
hopes of resuming his career although many, if not most
of the World War players did little than play ball for
the edifcation Of fellow drafteeS
Richie Ashburn Bauer, Yogi others
minor leaguers of 1s 20 when they called Upon
returning, they young enough to work up the big
leagues with appreciable penalty. Granny Hammer OF
the Phis got break He only 10 and Phie when he
put military uniform. He back in baseball the
same year.
NOT so LUCKY were others still the big league
not to mention such departed Phil Marchdon and
the like who left good part of their baseball ability the
battlefield while training green flyers Williams did,
Take the of Bob eler hailed the to Walter
strkeout king winner until he joined the
Navy in 1912 at the age of "a.
At his absolute peak went to Navy
until although his first full post
wasn't until 49, Then like Williams he back
in burst of glory Feller pitched in most 49, pitched
most innings 37 most 2e) and struck out most (S4S
Feler continued to be big winner but while he won
g. co. 49, 49, 16 and % from 46 through ST. he missed
the boat far approaching ohnSon records were con-
cerned Those lost years hurt.
Stan Musal did great return act. Drafted at 25 he
came back 26 and Williams the most-valuable
player specifics Musia the National
League leading in times at bat scored hits doubles
and a 1896 average.
MICKEY VERNON WAS 26 when he got into of those
military suits He back % DID, and forthrghy
the American League batting championship in 1946.
OF all the active players today, Johnny Mize probably
the oldest World War draftee to survive in baseball
Mze 30 when he joined the Navy He SO when he
returned to the Giants and bearing down hard 49,
he's still active a the Yankees No. pinch-hitter.
Williams, however, poses different problem. He'll be
least the time he plays for the Red Sox If he
again. And unlike ze he isn't likely to settle for the
sedenary role Of pnchhitter The time Kd has too
much going for him. including worldwide reputation
fisherman. He sells rods than bats and it's his
company
It will be interesting to what happens If Ted attempts
comeback The guess here is that he will try, probably
prodded by his Freddie Corcoran This gent who
handles Musa and most of the golfers who
good estimates that Williams lost quarter of million be-
of Korea.
"Ted will try Corcoan predicted at the recent National
Open, "and I'll love him for it. But gee, dunno"