This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/10/2004.
Ty Cobb ranks, along with Ted Williams, as among the greatest pure hitters in baseball history. His lifetime .367 batting average is still a record, along with 89 more that he held at the time of his retirement in 1926. He won the batting title at 20 years old in 1927, the youngest player ever to accomplish that feat and the first on nine in a row. Never a real long-ball hitter (he hit 118 career homers), he purposely hit five in two days (1925) just to prove a point. Also well known for his ferocious no-quarter style of play, he was known to sharpen his spikes while seated in the dugout in full view of the opposing team. Until Lou Brock came along 50 years later, Cobb was also the career stolen base leader. He was a true legend and pioneer of the game, and was one of five players inducted in Cooperstown's first class. This Reach OAL Harridge baseball has been signed in fountain pen on the side panel by Ty Cobb, with his customary swirl beneath. The cream colored ball shows light, even toning, the signature shows some fading and grades a 7. Comes with a letter from PSA/DNA.