Born on this day in San Diego, California, Boston Red Sox slugger Theodore Samuel Williams (1918–2002) once said he wanted to walk down the street and hear people say, “There goes the greatest hitter who ever lived.” Many believe he got his wish.

“God gets you to the plate,” he said. “But once you’re there, you’re on your own.”

Nicknamed “The Splendid Splinter” and “The Kid,” Williams was a Marine Corps jet fighter pilot who missed three full seasons during World War II (1943–1945). He later returned to combat in Korea, where he flew F9F Panthers alongside future astronaut John Glenn.

“Set your goal. Stay focused. And you’ll succeed,” he once advised.

Williams made his professional baseball debut in 1936 and ended his career in 1960 with a home run in his final at-bat. He remains the last MLB player to hit over .400, finishing the 1941 season with a .406 average.

Working his art with passionate dedication, “Thumping Theodore” won two Triple Crowns, six batting titles, hit 521 home runs, and held a lifetime average of .344.

He was also a tireless fundraiser for the Jimmy Fund Clinic at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a leading cancer research and treatment center for both children and adults.

“Baseball is the only field of endeavor where a man can succeed three times out of ten and be considered a good performer,” he reflected.

Baseball was his canvas. And with every swing, he painted greatness.