Was Cobb really as people perceive him???

Runscott · #1 02-11-2016, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbcard1

He was a complicated man and it is often easy to judge people too harshly using a 2016 filter to view 1920 events.

Fortunately there are first-hand accounts available, such as interviews with his peers;e.g-Sam Crawford, in 'The Glory of Their Times'. There are also newspaper accounts of his behavior, so you can compare those with accounts of the behavior of other Southern baseball players to get a better idea as to whether or not his biographers were lying about him.

bbcard1 · #2 02-11-2016, 10:38 AM

His late life effort at redemption and generosity paints a contrast to much of his playing days. Probably as financially farsighted as any athlete ever indicating an intellect in stark contrast to the brawler. Certainly not all that popular with his peers, which is a reliable indicator or, if nothing else, how likely you would be to enjoy having him as a guest at your dinner party.

Hankphenom · #3 02-11-2016, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Runscott

Fortunately there are first-hand accounts available, such as interviews with his peers;e.g-Sam Crawford, in 'The Glory of Their Times'. There are also newspaper accounts of his behavior, so you can compare those with accounts of the behavior of other Southern baseball players to get a better idea as to whether or not his biographers were lying about him.

And listening to the voices of Crawford and Davy Jones, who had seen him close up for many years, on the audio set of GOTT gives you an even better idea of what they thought of him, with stories to illustrate. On the other hand, there are others who had great respect, and in some instances affection, for Cobb. Joe Wood, for instance, called Cobb one of his very best friends. Perhaps it's fair to say that his good side could be very good while his bad side could be very bad.

Joshchisox08 · #4 02-11-2016, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hankphenom

And listening to the voices of Crawford and Davy Jones, who had seen him close up for many years, on the audio set of GOTT gives you an even better idea of what they thought of him, with stories to illustrate. On the other hand, there are others who had great respect, and in some instances affection, for Cobb. Joe Wood, for instance, called Cobb one of his very best friends. Perhaps it's fair to say that his good side could be very good while his bad side could be very bad.

Interesting idea. One side taken by the other was that the reason that Crawford didn't appear to like Cobb was out of spite/jealousy. Merely he stole the spotlight as the star outfielder on the team. And of course his contract being much bigger allegedly irked Crawford into jealousy as well.

The interesting thing is story goes that Cobb fought arm and leg for Crawford to be inducted into the HOF.

I remember in one chapter which it states that "THE BIG TRAIN" was a regular friend of Ty's along with another player (not on Detroit) whom I forgot. Wild Bill Donovan was one of his teammates which I remember seemed to have stuck up for him quite a bit.

TY vs The Babe................... There was a couple letters in the book which Cobb spoke very highly of him. I'm not doubting there was probably tension but I doubt that he had zero respect nor as the Tommy Lee Jones movie went gave him only credit for "Running ok for a fat man".

ullmandds · #5 02-11-2016, 01:02 PM

There is a whole book about the relationship of babe and ty and their golfing escapades and relations in the 30s and 40s and it paints a very different picture than that quote quote. You have not already read it I would highly recommend it .

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joshchisox08

Interesting idea. One side taken by the other was that the reason that Crawford didn't appear to like Cobb was out of spite/jealousy. Merely he stole the spotlight as the star outfielder on the team. And of course his contract being much bigger allegedly irked Crawford into jealousy as well.

The interesting thing is story goes that Cobb fought arm and leg for Crawford to be inducted into the HOF.

I remember in one chapter which it states that "THE BIG TRAIN" was a regular friend of Ty's along with another player (not on Detroit) whom I forgot. Wild Bill Donovan was one of his teammates which I remember seemed to have stuck up for him quite a bit.

TY vs The Babe................... There was a couple letters in the book which Cobb spoke very highly of him. I'm not doubting there was probably tension but I doubt that he had zero respect nor as the Tommy Lee Jones movie went gave him only credit for "Running ok for a fat man".

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