Ty Cobb (1886-1961), the Georgia Peach. One of the greatest ball players who ever strapped on cleats, he has also been long regarded as a violent racist and a dirty player. According to a recent biographer, he was neither:
History, is, or should be, a continuing search for the truth. In regard to Ty Cobb it appears that the search for the truth about him is bearing fruit. He was neither an angel nor a monster but a work in progress throughout his life, as we all are.
“He was a man take him for all in all . . .” Hamlet
Seems to me, God makes few such men these days.
I highly recommend the excellent book, “Ty Cobb, a Terrible Beauty” written by Mr. Leerhsen. As a lifelong Detroit Tigers fan, I have read numerous stories and bios of Ty Cobb. This is by far the best. It’s a shame that so many have smeared the reputation of a flawed and imperfect man be grossly exaggerating his faults. This fine book helps set the record straight.
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