Editor’s note: Fenway Park opened on April 20, 1912. NESN.com will be celebrating Fenway’s 100-year anniversary with unique content from now until April 20, 2012.
Ted Williams had already blossomed into one of MLB's bright young stars after just two years in the league. In 1941, he transformed himself into a legend.
After a fractured ankle in spring training forced Williams to adjust his stance, he went on to post one of the greatest offensive seasons that baseball has ever season, even to this day. The first baseman hit .406 for the year — including a .428 mark at Friendly Fenway — en route to leading the Red Sox to a second-place AL finish.
Williams' plus-.400 average actually remained dubious until the very last day of the season — a Sept. 28 doubleheader against Philadelphia. Entering the day, his average sat at .3996, which left many people wondering whether or not Major League Baseball would round it up.
Williams made sure there would be no question.
The All-Star went 6-for-8 in the two games, pushing his final batting average to its legendary .406 mark. Nearly 70 years later, Williams' '41 season remains the last time a player has exceeded .400 for an entire season.
In addition, starter Lefty Grove picked up his 300th career win in 1941. Fenway continued to host amateur baseball and various football games that year, while another Ted Williams — this one being Boston College's fullback — led the Eagles to a last-minute, come-from-behind victory over Holy Cross at the Fens.
For more information on Fenway Park, visit Fenway Park 100.
