Exactly what motivated the 6-foot-1, 175-pound Georgia Peach remains a dark mystery. But his incredible talents were fueled by equal parts anger, intensity, cunning, intimidation and a mean-spirited, win-at-all-costs drive that never wavered over an incredible twenty-two seasons with the Detroit Tigers and two with the Philadelphia Athletics. Cobb was a bully and a brawler, but he also was the dominant player of the dead-ball era and his near-legendary feats have withstood the test of time. Cobb was to bat control what Babe Ruth was later to the home run. A left-handed hitter, he choked up on the bat with a split grip and drove the ball anywhere he wanted. If muscle was required, Cobb could supply it, and he was a master bunter. But he was most dangerous on the bases, where he used his speed to dominate and his spikes to deliver bloody messages. Love him or hate him, this was no ordinary demon. When Cobb retired in 1928 at age 42, he owned an incredible 90 all-time records. His 12 American League batting titles (nine in succession) and .366 career average are marks that will likely never be approached.
This bat was one of Cobb's weapons of choice hailing from the height of his dominance. Dating from 1917-21, Cobb's Louisville Slugger 125 model bat measures 34 1/2" long and weighs 39.1 ounces. Pronounced manufacturer's markings include Ty Cobb's facsimile signature stamped on the barrel, the centerbrand bearing the double "dash-dot-dash", and circular lathe marks on the bottom of the knob. Evidence of heavy usage and distinctive treatment characteristics commonly associated with other documented Cobb game used bats include its finely tapered handle/knob termination, cleat marks at the barrel end, and concentrated grain swelling from contact. The bat is uncracked and displays beautifully.
Although often maligned as an individual, Ty Cobb remains one of the most revered batsmen the game has ever known. With regard to its vintage, usage characteristics, and overall aesthetic superiority, this bat ranks among the finest Cobb gamers seen in the marketplace.
LOA from John Taube and Vince Malta of PSA/DNA (Graded GU 8.5).