Ted Williams Gets Well Wishes

HERNANDO, Fla. (AP) â€” The museum established in Ted Williams' honor says it's been receiving dozens of get-well cards every day for the hospitalized Hall of Famer. <br><br>``Everyone asks the

Tuesday, January 23rd 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

HERNANDO, Fla. (AP) â€” The museum established in Ted Williams' honor says it's been receiving dozens of get-well cards every day for the hospitalized Hall of Famer.

``Everyone asks the same question,'' said Lee Serra, executive director of the museum. ``The last we heard is he's doing very well. He's progressing as best can be expected for a fellow his age and for the seriousness of his condition.''

Williams, 82, underwent 9 1/2 hours of surgery a week ago to repair a leaky heart valve.

Weill Cornell Medical Center at New York Presbyterian Hospital would only confirm Tuesday that Williams is still a patient. At the family's request, the hospital has not commented on Williams' condition.

Serra says the museum, about 60 miles north of Tampa in Citrus County, Fla., is being updated on Williams' condition ``thirdhand.''

He said the museum has received hundreds of cards â€” ``I stopped counting a while ago,'' he explained â€” at a rate of about two dozen a day.

The museum was established in 1994 and its Hitters Hall of fame was added in 1995.

The museum's annual awards and enshrinement ceremony is scheduled for Feb. 18, Serra said. The inductees include Paul Molitor, Dave Winfield, Jim Rice and Robin Yount.

Williams hospitalized
AP/Ted Sande [13K]
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The Boston Globe reported Sunday that Williams' condition was improving to the point where his doctors have cut back medication.

Williams, who played his entire career with the Red Sox, was the last player to hit over .400, ending the 1941 season with a .406 average.