Ty Cobb and the hobby

[Snapolit1]

Originally Posted by Directly

No offense--but does everybody believe Ruth was a saint?--Both were the best, but??

No, but for good or for bad, or for both, Ruth is probably the most iconic athlete the US has ever had. (I guess you could debate Jordan.) Multiple movies, dozens of books, legends, myths, elementary school books, plays, etc. While Cobb was a singularly great hitter, I just don't see him as the kind of mythical persona that Ruth embodied. Sort of like Michael Jordan and Larry Bird. Yes, Bird amazing. But Jordan grabbed the culture, hard core and casual fans, in a way Bird never did.

People like to project onto these people attributes and mythical powers. Mickey Mantle case study no 1. Hell, I'd say Mantle has captured the imagination of people more than Mays or Aaron.

[Tyruscobb]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

I'd say Mantle has captured the imagination of people more than Mays or Aaron.

Very true. Mantle is a top 5 "what if" player. The other guys' what ifs typically involve lost military service years, or not getting an opportunity due to racism, etc.

What if Mantle didn't step on that sprinkler head during the 1951 World Series and blow out his knee? What if he took better care of himself, and didn't party as much?

He may very well have ended up the greatest of all-time.

[Yoda]

In that interesting 'foto it appears that young Tyrus is about to buy a boatload of Coco Cola stock.

[icollectDCsports]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

No, but for good or for bad, or for both, Ruth is probably the most iconic athlete the US has ever had. (I guess you could debate Jordan.) Multiple movies, dozens of books, legends, myths, elementary school books, plays, etc. While Cobb was a singularly great hitter, I just don't see him as the kind of mythical persona that Ruth embodied. Sort of like Michael Jordan and Larry Bird. Yes, Bird amazing. But Jordan grabbed the culture, hard core and casual fans, in a way Bird never did.

People like to project onto these people attributes and mythical powers. Mickey Mantle case study no 1. Hell, I'd say Mantle has captured the imagination of people more than Mays or Aaron.

Don't forget Ali.