Full Name : Tyrus Raymond Cobb
Born : December 18, 1886
Hometown : The Narrows, GA
Height : 6' 1
Weight : 175 lbs
Bats : Left
Throws : Right
Major League Baseball debut : August 30, 1905 for the Detroit Tigers
Family : wife, Frances Cass (24 September 1948 - ?) (divorced),
Primary Position : OF (Outfielder)
When baseball fans debate about the greatest players of all time, Ty Cobb is usually involved in the discussion. Nicknamed “The Georgia Peach, Cobb has been credited with setting 90 Major League records during his career, a feat considered one of the most honorable. His most famous is unquestionably his record for highest career batting average, which was set at 366. He also held the records for most career hits, most career runs, and most career games played.
Cobb suffered from a rough childhood, and just three weeks after his mother killed his father, he debuted with the Detroit Tigers in 1905. His accomplishments earned him a lucrative contract that would bring him back to the Tigers in 1906. His impact with the Tigers did not go unnoticed, as he hit .316 in his first season with the ball club. During each of his following years, he never batted below the .316 line. He helped lead the Tigers to three consecutive American League Pennants. However, his postseason numbers were not near his norms, and despite taking the pennants the Tigers were not able to win a World Series.
Cobb's impact as a Tiger has been considered outstanding by many. In 1915, he went on to set the single-season record for stolen bases with 96. This year also marked the last of five consecutive batting titles that were achieved by Cobb. Despite finishing with an average of .371 in 1916, Cobb finished in second to Tris Speaker.
Cobb hit safely in 35 consecutive games during the 1917 season. He also had a 40-game streak in 1911, and he is the only player in baseball history with two 35+ game hit streaks. In addition, he hit safely in 20 games on 6 different occasions throughout his successful career, second only to Pete Rose. His performance at center field was also considered phenomenal, and fans of the baseball world loved comparing his skills to those of Babe Ruth, another historic figure during that era. Cobb soon grew very competitive due to the fame that Ruth received. He felt that he had the better work ethic and better personality off of the field, and in his mind he should have received more publicity.
In 1921, Cobb decided that in addition to being the center fielder for the Detroit Tigers, he would also take a position as the team's everyday skipper. Fortunately, he did end up with a decent record as a manager, finishing with 479 wins and 444 losses. It was obvious that his duties as skipper and player hindered his performance on the field, and in 1926 he decided that it would be best to throw in the towel and call it quits. After retirement, he spent his wealthy years traveling around the world and raising a family. In 1936, Cobb stunned the baseball world by being selected on 222 of the 226 Hall of Fame ballots. His election has been considered one of his most remarkable personal accomplishments. He eventually passed away on July 17, 1961, but his legacy remained forever.
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