The Kid

January 27, 2014
The story of Ted Williams contains more twists and turns than the great American novel, and in this epic biography, former Boston Globe editor and investigative reporter Bradlee presents an often disturbing portrayal of the man perpetually known as "The Kid." The first major book about Williams since Leigh Montville's Ted Williams: The Biography of an American Hero published within two years of the 2002 death of baseball's greatest hitter at age 83, Bradlee focuses on elements of the Hall of Famer's life overshadowed by his still-historic .406 batting average in 1941, including his two wartime stints in the military at the height of his playing career, cantankerous relationships with fans and journalists, and the sad end-of-life saga perpetuated by his three reproachable children that concluded with the controversial cryonic preservation of Williams's head and decapitated body at a nondescript facility in Scottsdale, Ariz. Drawing on more than 10 years of research and 600-plus interviews, Bradlee explores Williams's Hispanic heritage and troubled childhood that left him feeling "ashamed," provides possible reasons for his irrational anger, and offers new insight into the cryonics case. Despite a few extraneous chapters, this big book rewards patient readers with as complete a portrait of Williams as history likely will allow.

Anytime an author sets out to write a definitive biography, expect many layers to be peeled back from the subject's life. Ben Bradlee, Jr., does that admirably in this exhaustive book about one of baseball's greatest hitters. Narrator Dave Mallow keeps a steady pace while maintaining a consistent tone for the listener. The author aims to paint a picture of Williams's life off the field, since "The Kid's" on-the-field accolades are well documented. Mallow resists the temptation to imitate voices for the women in Williams's world, but he brings to life the angry quotes and commentary that capture the ballplayer's bitterness toward many people, especially sportswriters. In the end, the listener is left with a well-told story about an imperfect man. M.B. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine