zone from knees to shoulders into a grid of 77 imaginary boxes. From this grid, Williams could pinpoint the best hitting zones. For example, a box inside and high was a .390 sweet spot, while a box outside and low was a .230 abyss.

Bringing theory and practice together, Williams had his first huge season in 1941. Williams was first in on base and slugging, and his OPS+ was a staggering 235. But his most impressive feat happened in a season-ending doubleheader against the Philadelphia Athletics when he stroked six hits in eight at bats to finish at .406. In 61 seasons since, no batter has reached .400.

The next year, Williams further proved his hitting was no fluke, winning the Triple Crown (.356, 36 HR, 137 RBI) and againleading the league in OPS+ (217). Before Williams had a chance to follow up his 1942 campaign, however, the 23 year old enlisted in the Navy air corps, spending the next three seasons in the military, primarily
training other pilots. Williams returned to baseball in 1946 but resumed his military career in 1952 as a Marine pilot in the Korean War. Despite missing all or parts of five seasons to military service, Williams continued to post excellent seasons upon his return to the Red Sox lineup. In the six seasons between the Second World War and Korea, Williams batted .339 with an OPS+ average of 184 and won the Triple Crown for a second time in 1947. His 1954 and 1957 seasons, at the ages of 35 and 38