Atlanta Daily World

EYE-OPENER: One of the reasons why Ted Williams is such a great hitter lies in his ability to outthink the pitchers he faces. Early this summer, when his average began to slump, Ted noticed that the hurlers were giving him an increasing diet of inside pitches. As a man gets older, of course, his reflexes aren't as sharp and he has trouble with the pitch on his fists.

Williams long has been recognized as a student of hitting. He realized what was happening and, to compensate, edged back from the plate so he could belt that inside pitch. And his average promptly zoomed upwards.

"Do you know," Ted said, "the only catcher in the league who tumbled to my new stance was Yogi Berra. The first time I stepped back in the batter's box, Yogi called time and discussed my strategy with Tommy Byrne, who was pitching. That's what makes Yogi so good. He's always thinking."

Williams, nearing 39, is the sentimental favorite in his valiant battle with Mickey Mantle for the American League batting title. The big surprise is not that Williams is outhitting Mickey, but that he is hitting more home runs. Most hitters lose those extra ounces of power when they get older. But not the fabulous Boston slugger.