Larger-than-life Williams deserves to rest in peace

There’s no denying that baseball’s Ted Williams was larger-than-life. Now, if his son John Henry gets his way, the man they called the Splendid Splinter may also be larger-than-death.

In a bizarre airing of dysfunctional family dirty laundry, the public has learned that it’s likely that the slugger’s remains have been shipped off to the Alcor Life Extension Foundation, a cryogenic lab in Scottsdale, Arizona — against the wishes of his daughter from his first marriage and family friends. The body is to be stored at minus-320 degrees with the hope of possible future regeneration and the potential sale of his DNA. Even in these enlightened times, when science has managed to clone sheep and cats, this scheme is outlandish.

While cryogenics has proven to be a very effective tool for freezing embryos, it’s a long way from effectively regenerating human remains. Besides, there are many less ghoulish ways to save DNA, including hair samples and fingernail clippings — making a human Popsicle out of Teddy Ballgame isn’t the only way to go. And, while the thought of immortality is intriguing, this plan doesn’t guarantee an exact replica of Ted Williams.

In death, as in life, this man is no stranger to controversy. During his hey-day, Williams was an icon, a legendary player with a cantankerous, temperamental streak. Playing in Boston for the Red Sox, Williams hated the press and his fans. He refused to answer mail or tip his cap and was once fined $250 for spitting at fans in Kansas City. Still, his tremendous talent at the plate, coupled with his exploits in the military made him an American hero both on, and off, the field.

In talking to the Boston Herald, family friend and former Red Sox owner Haywood Sullivan, calls the plan to deep freeze Williams, "absurd. You might say, crap."

We would have to agree. In fact, the idea is about as absurd as another baseball strike.

Then again …

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Wednesday, Feb. 12

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

CNA Nina Prigodich, right, goes through restorative exercises with long term care patient Betty Long, 86, at Nightingale's View Ridge Care Center on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Boost state Medicaid funding for long-term care

With more in need of skilled nursing and assisted-living services, funding must keep up to retain staff.

Welch: State Democrats’ bill would undermine parental rights

The bill would allow kids as young as 13 to make mental health decisions without notice to parents.

Kristof: Child malnutrition lost in politics over aid cuts

A young journalist describes the scene in Madagascar where a nutritious porridge provides a lifeline.

Comment: Trump sticks with NOAA official who bent to his ego

We haven’t seen the last of Trump’s Sharpie-amended reality and it’s destabilizing effect on scientists.

Dowd: Musk’s ‘Lost Boys’ join Trump’s ‘Mean Girls’ ethic to gut it all

Neither man shows any concern for the damage they threaten against individuals here and abroad.

bar graph, pie chart and diagrams isolated on white, 3d illustration
Editorial: Don’t let state’s budget numbers intimidate you

With budget discussions starting soon, a new website explains the basics of state’s budget crisis.

Curtains act as doors for a handful of classrooms at Glenwood Elementary on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Schools’ building needs point to election reform

Construction funding requests in Arlington and Lake Stevens show need for a change to bond elections.

FILE- In this Nov. 14, 2017, file photo Jaìme Ceja operates a forklift while loading boxes of Red Delicious apples on to a trailer during his shift in an orchard in Tieton, Wash. Cherry and apple growers in Washington state are worried their exports to China will be hurt by a trade war that escalated on Monday when that country raised import duties on a $3 billion list of products. (Shawn Gust/Yakima Herald-Republic via AP, File)
Editorial: Trade war would harm state’s consumers, jobs

Trump’s threat of tariffs to win non-trade concessions complicates talks, says a state trade advocate.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Tuesday, Feb. 11

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Sentencing reforms more complicated than column described

I read Todd Welch’s Jan. 29 column. He is certainly entitled to… Continue reading

President Trump running nation like his failed businesses

We’ve seen it before; President Trump will do or say anything to… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.