Ted Williams: From Panhandler to NBA Announcer in Days

Ted Williams' Story Emulates the Gospel

Just days after begging for change along an Ohio highway, 53-year old Ted Williams was at the announcer's microphone for NBC's "Today" in Manhattan, after having received countless job offers-including an announcer's position with the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers that includes a house, work with NFL films, and several national commercial opportunities.

P>GRAND RAPIDS, MI-- "I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.. Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:35-36, 40)

We've witnessed a beautiful manifestation of this Gospel passage this week, as much of the United States and the world has responded with love and affection to one of "the least."

Just days ago 53-year old Ted Williams stood alone along an I-71 exit ramp in Columbus, Ohio, a homeless panhandler with a lengthy criminal record-including at least one felony conviction and prison time for theft. Addictions to alcohol, marijuana and cocaine helped evaporate interest in his career as a radio announcer, and he ended up living on the streets. While going through detox Williams ate food that should have gone to his grandchildren. His life had reached just about the lowest point possible.

"There was in him no stately bearing to make us look at him, nor appearance that would attract us to him. He was spurned and avoided by men, a man of suffering, accustomed to infirmity, one of those from whom men hide their faces, spurned, and we held him in no esteem." (Isaiah 53:2a-3)

A reporter from The Columbus Dispatch spotted Williams holding a cardboard sign reading: "I have a God given gift of voice. I'm an ex-radio announcer who has fallen on hard times. Please! Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you and God bless. Happy holidays." The Dispatch created a video report on Williams, in which his "God given gift of voice" was given the opportunity to be heard.

Twenty-four hours later, this homeless panhandler became the most sought-after voice talent in the world.

Just days after begging for change along an Ohio highway, Williams was at the announcer's microphone for NBC's "Today" in Manhattan, after having received countless job offers-including an announcer's position with the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers that includes a house, work with NFL films, and several national commercial opportunities. He has been embraced by the nation and the world, as the Dispatch video has become an internet sensation.

Through it all Williams has been touched with a spirit of gratitude.

"I'm just so thankful God has blessed me so deeply," he told the Associated Press. "I'm getting a second chance. Amazing."

His chance to do the morning talk show circuit on network television has blessed Williams with the opportunity to visit his 90-year old mother in Brooklyn.

"She has always been my best friend," he said. "When I was a kid, she would take me down to Radio City Music Hall on the subway. I'm just glad that she is still around. I prayed that she would live long enough that I could make her proud and see her son could do something other than stand along the side of the road with a sign asking for money."

Bob Ater, executive director of the Columbus Coalition for the Homeless, noted a special aspect of Williams' story. "One of the problems with a lot of homeless people is that they have some rich talent, but don't have the confidence to exploit that talent. [Williams] is fabulous."

The story of Ted Williams can no doubt serve as inspiration for anyone seeming to be down and out in the circumstances of their life, especially if one's past has been long troubled and seemingly beyond redemption.

"Are you envious because I am generous? Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last." (Matthew 20:15a-16)

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James Penrice is an author of nine books, a correspondent for Catholic Athletes for Christ, and a contributor to Catholic Online.

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