Ty Cobb’s Legacy

[SAllen2556]

I think one aspect not mentioned is how Cobb became so famous at such a young age and what effect that would have had on him - or anyone.

At age 20, he won his first batting title and was the brightest young star of a sport experiencing a huge rise in popularity. He was well paid and received special treatment from his manager right from the start of his career. Basically, he had a lot of the same issues that many young, famous athletes have today when given piles of money and fame at a very young age.

My favorite Cobb:
1909 Cobb E95.jpg

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by SAllen2556

I think one aspect not mentioned is how Cobb became so famous at such a young age and what effect that would have had on him - or anyone. At age 20, he won his first batting title and was the brightest young star of a sport experiencing a huge rise in popularity. He was well paid and received special treatment from his manager right from the start of his career. Basically, he had a lot of the same issues that many young, famous athletes have today when given piles of money and fame at a very young age.

Yes, and making all the more amazing the examples of those who shared similar circumstances without succumbing to such blandishments. Walter Johnson comes to mind.

[Exhibitman]

I can see how a personality as intense and as driven as Cobb by all accounts was, would alienate a lot of people, perhaps inadvertently. It is really hard to turn off the focused aggression. You can't do it on a dime, you need to decompress. I know that from personal experience as a litigator. The secretaries at one firm used to call me "the meanest man in the office" because I was so offensive when I was 'on', and it would carry over into my interactions with them. Took me years, and a few HR complaints, to get it under control. I can see that happening with Cobb. He probably needed some down time to decompress that he did not get before having to deal with others. And weed. Works for me