Ty Cobb’s Legacy

[StraightRaceCards]

Originally Posted by byrone

Here’s a great radio interview of Ty Cobb with Leo Cloutier of Manchester, NH in 1958.

Ty is certainly humble in the recording.

https://youtu.be/Vm1lY8UeMN4

Thanks for sending this link Brian- very cool to listen to Cobb speak. Sounds like he did soften over the years, but no doubt about it the man was a competitor and fiery athlete.

I don't own this Green Cobb, but it's always been my favorite Cobb card. I was under the impression that I didn't want to own a Cobb card, but now I do!

[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

[vansaad]

Seems like a decent thread to post Burdick's Cracker Jack Cobb, now on display at the Met.

[ClementeFanOh]

This "Hamlet" quote seems fitting- "He was a man, take him for all in all,
(we) shall not look upon his like again." INCREDIBLE player, complex
person. Glad I own one of his T206s

Trent King

[ALR-bishop]

My wife’s grandfather was the liaison between H&B and most major league ball players who used Louisville Slugger bats. That included Ruth and Cobb. He and Cobb were close friends. Cobb was one of the pallbearers when her grandfather died. He liked Cobb so much he wanted to name my wife’s dad Tyrus. But her grandmother, who did not like Cobb at all, vetoed that idea.

I guess that proves nothing other than you would expect a ball player might be nice to the guy who supplied his bats.

[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