The Story Behind Ted Williams Lodge
A Full Life – Hall of Fame Baseball Player, Military Veteran, World Class Fisherman and Champion of Charitable Causes
Ted Williams was an American professional baseball player, who played his 19-year Major League Baseball career, for the Boston Red Sox, primarily as a left fielder, from 1939 to 1960. Known as the “The Splendid Splinter”, Ted is regarded by many as the greatest hitter in baseball history. Ted is a nineteen-time All Star, a two-time recipient of the American League (AL) Most Valuable Player Award, a six-time AL batting champion, and a two-time Triple Crown winner. When Ted retired, he had a staggering .344 career batting average, 521 home runs, and a .482 on-base percentage. Ted’s remarkable career numbers are even more impressive when considering his considerable service in the military. Reasonable performance assumptions during Ted’s military service place Ted’s baseball productivity at an unprecedented level.
Hall of Fame Baseball Player, and Military Veteran.
In 1941, Ted posted an astounding .406 batting average, which was then followed up in 1942 by his first Triple Crown. Beginning in 1943, Ted joined the United States Navy and Marine Corps to defend the United States in World War II. Upon returning to Major League Baseball in 1946, and without missing an athletic beat, Ted won his first AL MVP Award and played in the St. Louis/Red Sox World Series. In 1947, he won his second Triple Crown.
For portions of the 1952 and 1953 seasons, Ted returned to active military duty and served as a Marine combat pilot in the Korean War.
A World Class Fisherman...
In addition to being an MLB All-Star and decorated fighter pilot, Ted was a distinguished fly-fisherman, including owning his fishing lodge on the Miramichi River in New Brunswick, Canada.
In 1958, fishing guide, Roy Curtis met Ted on one of Ted’s first trips to the Miramichi River. Ted had great chemistry and respect for Roy, and soon after hired him as his personal guide – over the years, Roy and his family became part of Ted’s inner circle. By reputation and practice, Ted always had a plan when pursuing any endeavor, including casting a fly, and always tried to improve things. Consistent with that approach, Ted searched the Miramichi River and tributaries for the best and most productive private water to build his lodge on. Ted ultimately selected the site of the White Birch Lodge which is surrounded by a stand of towering white birch trees that provide privacy and sanctuary from the sun’s rays in the Summer. Ted’s discerning selection of the property and Home Pool (which is the cornerstone of the property) – paid off handsomely over the years rewarding Ted and his guests with hundreds of Atlantic Salmon that were caught, with the vast majority of salmon being safely released.
Upon retirement, Ted fished the Miramichi almost every day from the end of June until the season closed. Roy Curtis passed away in October of 1988 after guiding Ted every day that season. From there, Roy’s son, Clarence, took over and guided Ted each season until 1993.
The strong passion for Atlantic Salmon and traditions established by Ted continue to this day at the White Birch Lodge. The lodge is fortunate to have Clarence, who has decades of experience finding and catching Atlantic Salmon, as the head guide. Clarence is also responsible for maintaining the property, including the six buildings. Clarence’s sister-in-law, Peggy Curtis, is an incredibly talented cook and her meals are simply outstanding. Clarence and Peggy are dedicated to you and your experience on the Miramichi.
Champion of Charitable Causes
In closing, Ted supported several charities, including the Jimmy Fund, which focuses on curing cancer (especially in children). Ted simply loved kids and was incredibly generous with his resources and time to the Jimmy Fund and other groups.
To learn more about Ted Williams, you can visit www.TedWilliams.com.
