This Day in Baseball History: April 20, 1939 > Boston Red Sox great Ted Williams makes his Major League debut. Facing Yankees ace Red Ruffing, Williams strikes out in his first two plate appearances, then blasts a double off of the outfield wall. "Teddy Ballgame" will go on to have one of the greatest rookie seasons in history, batting .327 with 31 home runs and an ML-leading 145 RBIs.