Ted Williams, My Father - by Claudia Williams (Paperback)

About the Book

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.

Book 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.

From the Back Cover

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

The world knew him as Ted Williams, The Kid, and Teddy Ballgame, but at age ten, his daughter, Claudia, knew him only as Dad. Their life together had little to do with Triple Crowns and batting titles. 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, 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, Claudia 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--a larger-than-life, often intimidating figure with whom life was tumultuous, yet never boring. Throughout her life, their relationship evolved, ultimately forming a bond built on love, respect, and loyalty, and here she opens up for the first time about the rumors that her family faced during his final years, detailing the full story behind his controversial choice to be cryogenically preserved after his death. 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.

Review Quotes

"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