Posted By:
Gilbert MainesJay - Please revisit your comments:
"I don't think anyone here can speak with any certainty about Cobb's intangabiles. What we do know for certain is the incredible stats and that is why most of us are in awe of him as a player".
And recognize that we have seen these intangibles in others. Jackie Robinson, Maury Wills, Pete Rose and many others; And by their impact can reasonably estimate their effectiveness in a single individual.
Although it is true that we did not witness the sharpened spikes threatening the defense then, nor more recently, that part of the personna of the man is similar to a baseball Mike Tyson equivalent.
How much attention will a pitcher be able to dedicate to Crawford's at bat with Cobb leading off 1st?, 2nd?, 3rd? What is the impact of intimidation? Serious, imminent fight intimidation? Every day, every play. Only Rose has had that intensity in recent days. And he was far less intimidating, albeit quite intimidating.
His stats reflect more than a small portion of his impact on won games, but they only portray a part of the picture. Ruth's stats speak volumes, but Ruth's intangibles do not compare. This is why some would rather have a t206 Red than a Goudey Red.