Best of the Splendid Splinter

[Fred]

Simple sepia 1940 Play Ball of a young splinter

It's still so mind boggling to think of the career numbers he may have put up if he had those (3) prime years (ages 23-26) and basically two other full seasons (age 33 and 34) to play. Even with those missing years Teddy Ballgame still put up some incredible numbers.

[jsfriedm]

Originally Posted by Fred

Simple sepia 1940 Play Ball of a young splinter

It's still so mind boggling to think of the career numbers he may have put up if he had those (3) prime years (ages 23-26) and basically two other full seasons (age 33 and 34) to play. Even with those missing years Teddy Ballgame still put up some incredible numbers.

Even without the years in the military, his numbers are actually better than people realize. Sacrifice flies aren't counted as at-bats - except that they were between 1931-1954. So, under the rules that Cobb and Hornsby hit .400 with, Ted Williams' average in 1941 would have been something like .419. His career .344 is actually probably at least .350 in comparison to Cobb's .366 and Hornsby's .358.

[oldjudge]

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[padremurph]

I like the Wilson Franks and the 54B the best. Still need to pick up a Wilson Franks

[cgjackson222]

Love the '55 Topps and '39 Goudey Premium, but my favorite is the Leaf:

[packs]

I love the Leaf too. It's just hard to find centered.

[Luke]

1. 1939 Play Ball
2. 1939 Goudey
3. 1954 Wilson Franks

Then a big Gap, and a bunch of others in a tie for 4th

[cgjackson222]

Originally Posted by jsfriedm

Even without the years in the military, his numbers are actually better than people realize. Sacrifice flies aren't counted as at-bats - except that they were between 1931-1954. So, under the rules that Cobb and Hornsby hit .400 with, Ted Williams' average in 1941 would have been something like .419. His career .344 is actually probably at least .350 in comparison to Cobb's .366 and Hornsby's .358.

The changes around the sacrifice fly rules make for an interesting discussion. Thank you for bringing them up.

SABR published an article on the subject in 2021. In the article, it states that "In 1941, Ted Williams batted a lusty .406 (185 H in 456 AB), but had his eight RBI flyouts not been counted as at-bats, his batting average would have been .413."

It also states that "Twice the “no Sac-Fly” rule precluded a player from winning the esteemed Triple Crown of batting."

The first was Jimmie Foxx, who could have won the batting crown and therefore the triple crown in 1932 if the the sacrifice fly rule that has been in operation from 1954 to the present (where batters who hit RBI flyouts are credited with a sac fly, and an RBI flyout is not charged as an at bat, just as a sacrifice bunt is not charged as an at-bat) were in effect. This would have given Foxx back-to-back triple crowns.

Similarly, Ted Williams could have won the batting title in 1949, which would have given Ted his 3rd Triple Crown.

[frankbmd]

I'm a stickler when it comes to condition in my collection. Rarity is always a secondary factor. I had to compromise though on condition when i found this 1 of 1 (that means rare) 1955 Topps Williams with a unique Preston Ward border.

1955 Williams.jpg

Finding a splintered Splendid Splinter made my day and led to the creation of my complete 1955 Topps Mutant Set.

[scotgreb]

Been in the market for a well-centered 1939 PB for years -- have never been lucky enough to win the right one. In the meantime, this holds the spot in my collection . . .

Williams, Ted 1954 Bowman66 PSA 5 29061564.jpg

[jsfriedm]

Originally Posted by cgjackson222

The changes around the sacrifice fly rules make for an interesting discussion. Thank you for bringing them up.

SABR published an article on the subject in 2021. In the article, it states that "In 1941, Ted Williams batted a lusty .406 (185 H in 456 AB), but had his eight RBI flyouts not been counted as at-bats, his batting average would have been .413."

It also states that "Twice the “no Sac-Fly” rule precluded a player from winning the esteemed Triple Crown of batting."

The first was Jimmie Foxx, who could have won the batting crown and therefore the triple crown in 1932 if the the sacrifice fly rule that has been in operation from 1954 to the present (where batters who hit RBI flyouts are credited with a sac fly, and an RBI flyout is not charged as an at bat, just as a sacrifice bunt is not charged as an at-bat) were in effect. This would have given Foxx back-to-back triple crowns.

Similarly, Ted Williams could have won the batting title in 1949, which would have given Ted his 3rd Triple Crown.

Not to mention that, by current standards, he would have qualified for, and won, the 1954 batting title too. Here's my copy of what I now think is my favorite Ted (I'm a color and registration guy, less so a centering guy):

[darwinbulldog]

Just aesthetically, I'd go with '56 Topps. Overall, I'd have to say it's the 1939 R303A.

[esehombre]

As my favorite player of all time, just about every card of his is iconic! These are some of my favorites

[bnorth]

I have owned most of the Ted cards including one of the highest graded 59 Fleer sets. Man does he have a lot of ugly cards.

I had 8 different cut card art pieces made and wanted a Ted one. I just couldn't figure out what card I wanted to turn into a piece of artwork. I went with a wrapper from the 59 Fleer set.

[benchod]

Couple of "rookies"
Very scarce WWG V-351 Canadian issue and a period signed Uncle Jimmy special