Ty Cobb�s Legacy

Rad_Hazard · #1 11-29-2022, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarsHoneyToast

This may be an old subject to some, but as a newer T206 guy, I had this initial impression of Cobb being a great ball player, but dirty and selfish.

Curious on everyone�s opinion here- where do you stand on his legacy as a person and ball player?

Watched a fantastic lecture from the guy who wrote on Cobb that changed my mindset. I now stand in the camp of� �Amazing player, somewhat decent guy�

Interview here:
https://youtu.be/OjbPzoboilM

Thoughts? Maybe a poll would be cool here.

Matt

That's a good lecture, but I highly recommend reading/listening to Leershen's book on Cobb.

While I do believe Stump's book to be a hackjob, after reading Leershen's book, it is also filled with non-factual assumptions to help prove the the author's point that Cobb wasn't a monster. It's also filled with great information that debunks a lot of the Stump book.

I believe the truth likely lies somewhere in-between. I don't think Cobb was a monster, but I also don't think he was a particularly great person. I believe he softened as he grew older as most of us do, but there is no doubt that he was a fierce competitor who would go to great lengths to win. He was a great player, no question, and his contemporaries back that up all day long.

Tabe · #2 11-29-2022, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rad_Hazard

While I do believe Stump's book to be a hackjob, after reading Leershen's book, it is also filled with non-factual assumptions to help prove the the author's point that Cobb wasn't a monster. It's also filled with great information that debunks a lot of the Stump book.

Tim Hornbaker's book on Cobb is far superior. Heck, there's a book whose name escapes me that's basically dedicated to debunking the Leerhsen book.

SAllen2556 · #3 11-30-2022, 08:16 AM

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 · #4 11-30-2022, 10:48 AM

Quote:

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 · #5 11-30-2022, 12:41 PM

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

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