"Baseball is the only field of endeavor where a man can succeed three times out of ten and be considered a good performer."
About Ted Williams
Ted Williams — Life and Legacy
Ted Williams, often regarded as one of baseball's greatest hitters, made an indelible mark on the sport with his unparalleled batting prowess and commitment to excellence. His career, highlighted by a .344 batting average and two MVP awards, reflects a deep understanding of the game and an unwavering dedication to improvement. Williams famously stated, 'I think without a doubt, I’m the best hitter in baseball,' which encapsulates his confidence and relentless pursuit of perfection. Williams' approach to hitting was analytical and disciplined; he believed that 'hitting is a process of elimination.' This perspective reveals his methodical mindset, where each at-bat was an opportunity to refine his technique and strategy. He challenged the norms of his time by emphasizing the mental aspects of the game, famously declaring, 'The game is 90% mental and 10% physical.' This insight into the psychological demands of baseball set him apart from many of his contemporaries. Today, Ted Williams' quotes resonate with athletes and fans alike, as they reflect the values of perseverance, mental toughness, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. His legacy continues to inspire those who strive to overcome challenges and achieve greatness in their respective fields.
Quote collection
Ted Williams quotes (page 1 of 2)
40 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"I've found in life the more you practice, the better you get. If you want something enough and work hard to get it, your chances of success are greater."
"A man has to have goals - for a day, for a lifetime - and that was mine, to have people say, 'There goes Ted Williams, the greatest hitter who ever lived.'"
"No one has come up with a substitute for hard work."
"Just keep going. Everybody gets better if they keep at it."
"It's a funny thing, but, as years go by, I think you appreciate more and more what a great thing it was to be a United States Marine... People will tell me what a shame it was I had to go back into the service a second time, but I'm kinda glad I did.. Besides, I am a U.S. Marine and I'll be one till I die."
"I've found that you don't need to wear a necktie if you can hit."
"Baseball gives every American boy a chance to excel, not just to be as good as someone else but to be better than someone else. This is the nature of man and the name of the game."
"The hardest thing to do in baseball is to hit a round baseball with a round bat, squarely."
"It was always fun for me, I loved baseball so darn much. By the hours I practiced, you'd have to say I was working a lot of hours, but it was pretty near tireless fun for me. I'd rather swing a bat than do anything else in the world."
"There's only one way to become a hitter. Go up to the plate and get mad. Get mad at yourself and mad at the pitcher."
"All the bullets and all the bombs that explode all over the world won't leave the impact, when all is said and done, of a dollar bill dropped in the Jimmy Fund pot by a warm heart and a willing hand. You should be proud and happy to know that your contribution will someday help some kid to a better life."
"If you don't think too good, don't think too much."
"The most fun I ever had in my life was hittin' a baseball. And the best sound I ever heard in my life was a ball hit with a bat. Powww!"
"The key to hitting is just plain working at it. Work, that's the real secret."
"Think. Don't just swing. Think about the pitcher, what he threw you last time up, his best pitch, who's up next. Think."
"If I was being paid thirty-thousand dollars a year, the very least I could do was hit .400."
"God gets you to the plate, but once you're there you're on your own."
"People always told me that my natural ability and good eyesight were the reasons for my success as a hitter. They never talk about the practice, practice, practice."
"All I want out of life is that when I walk down the street, folks will say, "There goes the greatest hitter who ever lived.""