Ty Cobb Used More Than Just Spikes to Outrun His Opponents

Ty Cobb may be best known as the record holder for the highest batting average in Major League Baseball history, but what many don't know is that he is also one of the best and most strategic baserunners in Major League history. Sverre Braathen, in his biography of Ty Cobb, boasts of Cobb's ability to out smart his opponents when it came to taking bases.

Baseball fans love watching players hit what should be a single that somehow stretches into a double. Maybe just as exciting is when a player steals a base. Cobb was a master at both. Just this past Tuesday in Game 1 of the World Series Mookie Betts of the Boston Red Sox was able to steal second base, winning the nation a free taco from Taco Bell. Ty Cobb in the 1909 World Series was also able to steel a base, he stole home base. Unfortunately, Cobb did not win anyone free tacos that day. Take a look at our page "Sliding Home - The Best Baserunner of All Time" to see how Cobb's baserunning compares to players in today's era of Major League Baseball.