August 24, 1940: Ted Williams makes his only appearance as a pitcher in a Major League Baseball game.
Just 21 at the time, Williams was not an ideal person to take the mound. But the Red Sox's manager, Joe Cronin, found himself in a tight situation during a blowout loss to the Detroit Tigers.
Needing a fresh arm to get some outs, Cronin called on Williams to throw some pitches.
Despite his inexperience, Williams did fine in two innings, allowing just three hits and one run. The Tigers won by 11, but the Red Sox were able to get through the game without any further embarrassment.
Williams, meanwhile, didn't do well enough to earn any extra time on the mound. But given his success with a bat in his hands, that seems like the right choice.
