I just bought my first Ted Williams, and I’m as giddy as a little kid.

[Bigdaddy]

What a beautiful card, both in composition and color, but most of all in the subject. 1939, Ted Williams playing in the minor leagues. In that card I see the enthusiasm of a young ballplayer; one who will become arguably the greatest hitter ever; a fighter pilot; a fisherman; a man who would be revered, but maybe not always loved, in his soon to be hometown. I see .406, two MVPs, two triple crowns, 19 All-Star selections, but no World Series rings.

But in 1939, he didn't know any of that. None of us did. All we could see is potential. The same potential we saw in Bobby Murcer, Bobby Bonds and Mark Fidrych. And now in Mike Trout and Fernando Tatis, Jr. Some will fulfill their potential, some will fall short. But we always have hope. And fate.