Ty Cobb, known as sports history’s first baseball ‘millionaire’, is a notorious figure in American baseball. His eccentric behavior and ambitious personality made him a formidable opponent on the field. Despite controversy surrounding his reputation, Cobb’s impressive statistics and records speak for themselves. Holding the highest career batting average in the history of the game at .366, he also led in runs scored with 2,245. Although Pete Rose eventually surpassed his all-time hit record, Cobb’s legacy as a fearsome American League Baseball outfielder, nicknamed ‘The Georgia Peach’, remains intact. With over 3,035 major league games played and 271 errors committed, he left a lasting impact on the sport. Despite being disliked by many, Cobb’s aggressive playing style and unwavering determination continue to be admired. His untimely death left a void in the world of sports, leaving behind a legacy that still resonates today.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Tyrus Raymond Cobb
- Died At Age: 74
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Frances Cass – Charlotte Lombard
- Father: William Herschel Cobb
- Mother: Amanda Chitwood Cobb
- Children: Tyrus Cobb Jr – Herschel Cobb – Beverly Cobb – Shirley Marion Cobb – Jimmy Cobb – Howell Cobb
- Born Country: United States
- Baseball Players
- American Men
- Died on: July 17, 1961
- Place of death: Druid Hills, Georgia, United States
- Diseases & Disabilities: Bright’s Disease, Diabetes, Prostate Cancer
- Cause of Death: Diabetic Coma
- U.S. State: Georgia
- More Facts
- Awards: 1911 – American League Chalmers Award for most valuable player
Childhood & Early Life
Tyrus Raymond Cobb was born on December 18, 1886, in Narrows, Georgia to William Herschel Cobb and Amanda Chitwood Cobb. His father had a significant influence on his life and encouraged him to join organized baseball teams such as the Royston Rumpers, Royston Reds, Augusta Tourists, and the Anniston Steelers. After joining the Steelers, Cobb’s talent was noticed, and he was eventually sold to the American League team, the Detroit Tigers, in August 1905.
An incident on August 8, 1905, had a profound impact on Cobb’s life and personality. His father was shot dead by his mother in a freak incident. This incident affected Cobb’s behavior on the field, and he sometimes attributed his violent outbursts to this event. His mother was charged with murder but was acquitted the following year.
Career
Three weeks after his father’s death, Cobb made his debut with the Detroit Tigers on August 30, 1905, at the age of 18, becoming the youngest player in the league. His success in his debut match earned him a lucrative deal with the Tigers for the next year. Despite his volatile temperament, Cobb became the team’s permanent center fielder in 1906 and had an impressive batting average of .316 in 98 games.
Cobb’s talent and hard work led the Tigers to three consecutive wins from 1907 to 1909. At the age of 20, he became the youngest player to win a batting championship. He continued to excel in his career, setting records and achieving numerous accolades.
In 1917, Cobb hit in 35 consecutive games and also appeared in the film “Somewhere in Georgia” as himself. He served in the United States Army during World War I and earned the rank of Captain. Cobb retired from professional baseball in 1926 and became the first member of the “4000 hit club” the following year.
Awards & Achievements
Cobb was selected as the American League MVP in 1911 and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936.
Personal Life & Legacy
Cobb married Charlotte “Charlie” Marion Lombard in 1908, and they had three sons and two daughters. The couple divorced in 1947 after 39 years of marriage. Cobb later married Frances Fairbairn Cass in 1949 but divorced in 1956.
In his final years, Cobb battled various health issues and passed away at Emory University Hospital. He was interred at the Cobb family mausoleum in Royston. After his death, the Ty Cobb Educational Foundation distributed millions of dollars in allowances to Georgians. The Ty Cobb Museum and the Franklin County Sports Hall of Fame were also established in his honor.
Trivia
Cobb was known for his love of dealing in stocks and bonds and was a major stockholder in The Coca-Cola Corporation and General Motors. These investments contributed to his immense wealth.