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 …
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