Posted on 06/21/2002 5:44:15 AM PDT by TheRedSoxWinThePennant
Red Sox could sign Williams' son
If inked, 33-year-old would likely play in rookie ball
By Ian Browne / MLB.com
SAN DIEGO -- The Boston Red Sox confirmed a story in Thursday's edition of the Boston Herald that John Henry Williams, son of legendary Hall-of-Famer Ted Williams, is on the verge of signing a minor-league contract with the team.
"I can confirm that he had a tryout," said Red Sox spokesperson Kevin Shea, "and the signing is almost complete."
The signing could be imminent, perhaps as early as Thursday night.
However, the chance of John Henry Williams making the Major Leagues is the longest of long shots.
He will turn 34 in August, and has no professional playing experience. So why are the Red Sox giving Williams the chance to fulfill such a fantasy?
Simple. The organization has such tremendous respect for Ted Williams that they felt it was only appropriate to grant a wish of both father and son.
"We were asked by Ted's son, John Henry Williams, for a tryout opportunity and although it seems unusual and irregular, we have enormous respect for Ted Williams' lifetime of contributions to the Red Sox," said Dr. Charles Steinberg, the executive vice president/public affairs for the Red Sox, "and we have enormous compassion for the enormous challenges that Ted and his family face currently."
Ted Williams has been in declining health for several years, particularly since January 2001, when he had open heart surgery.
"So we are willing to go beyond the norm to accommodate this special request," Steinberg said. "We will comply with Ted Williams' wishes."
John Henry Williams, at 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, at least looks the part of a ballplayer. According to the story in the Herald, he pitched himself to the Red Sox as a "power-hitting first baseman."
Williams lives in Florida and has been the principal caretaker of his father the last few years. He has also collaborated with his father on several business ventures.
Ted Williams played his entire career (1939-60) with the Red Sox and is considered by many to be the "greatest hitter who ever lived." He hit 521 home runs and is the last Major Leaguer to hit .400 in a season (1941).
John Henry Williams' most likely starting destination would be Boston's Gulf Coast League (Rookie ball) affiliate in Fort Myers, Fla., where most players are in their late teens or early 20s.
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