rdoesch's video: Ted Williams Most Embarassing Moment in Career

The date was 8/15/1942, at Fenway, against the Washington Senators. Catcher was Jake Early, Pitcher was Sid Hudson, Mickey Vernon at first base. Umpire is probably Bill Summers. The date is predicated on the fact that Ted’s hits a HR in this shot, which was the 3rd inning of the 1st game of a doubleheader. The dirt on Ted’s knee indicates it was later in the game. This date was the only date Early was catching at Fenway and Ted hit a HR The “Health” patch on his left shoulder was only worn by players from 1942-1945 (James Gates, NBHOF&M) and Ted was only active in 1942 prior to his service commitment. I sent this photo to Sid Hudson and Mickey Vernon and both confirmed it was Jake Early. I also had confirmation that Jake was the catcher, from George Brace, famous baseball photographer, and whose photos are published in The Game That Was by Cahan & Jacob. The original negative resides with Matthew Brearley, part of the Dennis Brearley Collection of Rare Negatives, in Boston, MA. Matthew only prints the picture of Ted swinging (minus the catcher & ump) and has no information on the photographer. The autograph has been authenticated by Billy at his “Walls of Fame” website. I also contacted Bob Breitbard, a high school mate and one of Ted’s closest friends, who is the founder & president of the San Diego Sports Hall of Fame. He never saw this photo, nor has anyone else I have contacted over the Internet, nor has it ever been published in any of Ted’s books or biographies. If the above information is correct, it is the 1st year that Ted won the Triple Crown (BA-.356). Jake Early, also known as “Jake the Plumber”, who called the catcher’s equipment...”the tools of ignorance”... was an outstanding defensive catcher and the only one who could disrupt Ted’s concentration at bat with his constant auctioneer chattering.