Player Profile: Ty Cobb

Player notes: Ty Cobb was the preeminent player of his era, and truly one of the greatest ever to play the game. Younger fans may not remember, but until the 1960s Cobb was by general consensus one of the two best players in the history of the game (along with Babe Ruth), and it was a matter of debate as to which of the two was the greatest.

When he retired he held numerous records, many of which have since been eclipsed in the long history of the game. He still holds the record for career batting average (.367), as well as number of times to hit .300 (an amazing 23 times), career runs scored (2,245), and career steals of home (50- the next closest total is 33). The career steals of home record may be baseball's most unbreakable record. The highest total of any post World War II player is Jackie Robinson's 19.

Cobb was widely disliked for his mean temperament and aggressive style of play, and he is remembered as much for his unlikable personality as for his great record as a player. This is unfortunate, because Ty Cobb still ranks among the elite players the game has ever produced.