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The Kid arrives
Boston Globe, July 25, 1938
SOX SUMMON WILLIAMS FROM MINNEAPOLIS
Phil Todt's Injury Creates Opportunity For Young Slugger
BOSTON--It was going to happen sooner or later, and when Phil Todt pulled up lame after singling in the fifth inning of yesterday's 14-4 loss to the New York Yankees, the Boston Red Sox decided the time was right.
Immediately after the game, the club recalled slugging phenom Ted Williams from Minneapolis of the American Association. Williams, a 20-year-old outfielder, was hitting .404 with 35 home runs for the Millers.
General manager Pat O'Farrell made it clear that Williams is not coming to Boston to ride the bench. "Ted Williams is going to play every day," O'Farrell stated emphatically. "A young player like Ted needs regular action in order to improve. He would be better off continuing to play in Minneapolis than he would be sitting on the bench in Boston."
The struggles of Todt, who will celebrate his 37th birthday in two weeks, had the Bosox brain trust contemplating the call to Williams for some time now. The veteran, who hit a lusty .314 last season, has been unable to lift his average above .250 this year, and in 343 at-bats, he has hit only one home run.
Todt has been placed on the 15-day disabled list, which will allow the team to give Williams a good, long audition. "By then, we'll have a good idea of whether or not Williams is ready to help us," said manager Bill Carrigan.
The Red Sox, who are battling tooth-and-claw with the formidable Detroit Tigers for the American League pennant, are counting on Ted to make good, and quickly.
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