Ted Williams, From the Sports Illustrated Archives

Ted Williams cooks early-morning eggs for the media and delivers trademark barbs in this fine piece by John Underwood from August 21, 1967’s Sports Illustrated

. Reading the piece, you realize that there was an awful lot known about how — and how not — to catch tarpon on flies even in the mid-60s. “‘It’s a medium-size fish . . . about 50, 60 pounds. . . . When he rolls, that’s the time to put on the pressure. If you can turn him there, it takes a lot out of him. If he jumps, get on him again. . . See how I lighten the drag when it’s under the boat? Watch, now, he’ll jump. When I say, “Now,” be ready to shoot. Now!'”