CITRUS HILLS, Fla. (AP) -- A frail Ted Williams made a brief and emotional surprise visit Sunday at a ceremony honoring Cal Ripken Jr., Don Mattingly and Jason Giambi at the Ted Williams Museum and Hitters Hall of Fame.
The crowd of more than 2,000 buzzed when onlookers spotted a van pull up to the ceremony tent. Williams was lowered to the ground in his wheelchair and rolled to the podium, where he was greeted by a thunderous ovation.
``There he is, ladies and gentleman,'' said former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda, the master of ceremonies. ``The greatest hitter that God ever put on earth, Ted Williams!''
His son, John Henry Williams, spoke for the 83-year-old Boston Red Sox Hall of Famer. The younger Williams told the audience how he, his sister Claudia and their famous father have persevered through the debilitating ailments the elder Williams has battled in recent years, including strokes, congestive heart failure and kidney failure.
John Henry Williams said he and his sister have been buoyed by their father's emotional strength.
``Dad, we love you.''
A teary-eyed Williams then left the stage. Shouted one fan: ``You're the man, Ted!'' Williams raised his right hand and slowly saluted the cheering crowd as he was raised into the van.
The crowd of more than 2,000 buzzed when onlookers spotted a van pull up to the ceremony tent. Williams was lowered to the ground in his wheelchair and rolled to the podium, where he was greeted by a thunderous ovation.
``There he is, ladies and gentleman,'' said former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda, the master of ceremonies. ``The greatest hitter that God ever put on earth, Ted Williams!''
His son, John Henry Williams, spoke for the 83-year-old Boston Red Sox Hall of Famer. The younger Williams told the audience how he, his sister Claudia and their famous father have persevered through the debilitating ailments the elder Williams has battled in recent years, including strokes, congestive heart failure and kidney failure.
John Henry Williams said he and his sister have been buoyed by their father's emotional strength.
``Dad, we love you.''
A teary-eyed Williams then left the stage. Shouted one fan: ``You're the man, Ted!'' Williams raised his right hand and slowly saluted the cheering crowd as he was raised into the van.
