Ted Williams logged war service…once again…in Korea

Professional baseball surged in popularity after World War II, as America’s love affair with star players blossomed, especially those who returned home from military service. 

In all, more than 500 major leaguers answered the call from Uncle Sam. 

One of those players who volunteered was No. 9 with the Boston Red Sox – left-handed slugger Ted Williams, who is considered the greatest hitter of all time.

 He was proud to have served as a Marine Corps’ fighter pilot and do his patriotic duty. Although he missed three seasons of Major League Baseball, Williams never “what-iffed” the gap on his baseball career statistics sheet. 

“After his 1946 discharge from active duty, Williams retained his commission in the inactive component of the Marine Corps Reserve,” wrote John Miles, a retired Marine colonel. Miles’ article appeared in the March 2021 issue of Military History magazine. 

Williams and Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Alexander Vandegrift had “a verbal understanding” – the ballplayer would let the Corps use his name for public relations purposes in exchange for Williams never having to serve another day on active duty, according to Miles. 

The Marines had large recruiting posters printed that read: “Ask the man who was one. United States Marines. Ted Williams, Baseball Star.” It contained a large photo of Williams wearing his Boston baseball uniform and cap. 

Imagine Williams’ surprise when he was notified in 1952 on the eve of spring training that the Marine Corps needed him to return to participate as a pilot in the Korean War. 

The processing clerk had made an “oops.” He didn’t realize that the name on the roster of reservists selected – Theodore Samuel Williams – was “Teddy Ballgame.”

 

Another “gap” was imminent. Williams got to play six games in the 1952 season before reporting for duty. He went 4 for 10 at the plate, hitting an even .400. 

During refresher flight training at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in Havelock, N.C., Capt. Ted Williams, at age 34, learned to fly the new Grumman F9F Panther. 

Maj. John Glenn said: “By luck of the draw, we went to Korea at the same time and were in the same squadron there. Ted and I were scheduled together. Ted flew as my wingman on about half the 39 missions he flew in Korea.” 

Capt. Williams “was a very active combat pilot,” said Maj. Glenn. “He gave flying the same perfectionist’s attention he gave to hitting a baseball.”

 

The feeling was mutual. Later, in 1962 as a famous U.S. astronaut, Col. John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth, circling it three times.

 Williams commented at the time: “John was a man destined for something great; it was an intuitive feeling I had. John always had exceptional self-control and was one of the calmest men I have ever met, no matter how perilous the situation.” 

Back to baseball. After the Korean War armistice was signed to “end the hostilities” in July 1953, Williams was released from service. He rejoined the Red Sox in August, receiving a “‘hero’s welcome,’ but he refused the title.” 

“I was no hero,” he told reporters, “but I liked flying. It was the second-best thing that ever happened to me. If I hadn’t had baseball to come back home to, I might have gone on as a Marine pilot.”

 

Williams finished the 1953 season, playing in 37 games, recording 37 hits in 91 official at-bats for a batting average of .407.