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Ted Williams capped a storybook baseball career with a storybook ending, hitting a home run in his last at bat in the major leagues. That blast, on a dreary September 28, 1960, at Boston's Fenway Park, ushered in a post-playing career during which the Red Sox legend would become a first-ballot Hall of Famer just six years later. During his retirement, he maintained his longtime active assistance of the Jimmy Fund in its fight against cancer, encouraged youngsters at his Ted Williams Baseball Camp, and coached current and future big leaguers in Red Sox spring training. In 1969, he was named American League Manager of the Year; in 1991, he received a Presidential Medal of Freedom from George H.W. Bush; and in 1995, a Boston tunnel was dedicated in his honor. In one of his last appearances, Ted joined fellow nominees for baseball's All-Century Team at the 1999 All-Star Game at Fenway Park--creating an iconic, lasting image of the man known as "The Kid," the "Splendid Splinter," and "Teddy Ballgame."

Although football may first spring to mind when talking about sports in Alabama, the state has certainly made its mark with the national pastime. Thirteen players with Alabama roots are enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, including all-time greats like Hank Aaron, Ozzie Smith and Satchel Paige. Bob Veale of Birmingham led the National League in strikeouts in 1964. Superstars and former players like Bo Jackson and Britt Burns give back to their home state by organizing charities and coaching Alabama's next generation of players. Author and baseball historian Doug Wedge explores stories from this rich history.