A racist? Yes. A bigot? Of course. An irascible jerk who would, from time to time, use his freshly sharpened spikes and drive his foot into an unprotected infielder's arm or leg to cause damage? Legendary. But who could deny Ty Cobb's talent: a .366 lifetime batting average, 892 stolen bases, and 4,189 hits? As a centerfielder, he was just as adept, often snagging flyballs overhead and throwing baserunners out at second, third and homeplate. An aggressive player with a knack for getting into onfield/off-field fights, he was the original Charlie Hustle who expected others to play with as much intensity (and was combative when others failed to perform). But Cobb was not entirely without a heart as he was steadfastly loyal to his friends, and often went out of his way to give them financial and personal support. And as a coach, he mentored young players such as the equally great Ted Williams (who idolized him in return). Ty Cobb might have been a major league creep, but to deny him his rightful place as one of the greatest centerfielders of all-time is just as creepy.

A vicious, ruthless, racist and all-around jerk, but there's no denying that he was a very gifted player in all aspects of the game, a phenomenal hitter, ran like the wind, etc. Many thought he was the greatest ever for a long time, and there's no question he played to win all of the time. Easily one of the greatest ever.

Its a shame people get so defensive. Cobb was a good player but in regards to talent where he was scrappy, Mantle and Mays had talent to spare. It amazes me that people look at stats and read about players without actually seeing them play and say they are great. I actually saw Mays and Mantle play I can assure you they were terrific. And thats what I personally saw not what someone told me.

overrated? .367 career average. 2nd in triples all time. 2nd in hits all time. Most 300 batting seasons. batted .400 3 or 4 times! how in the hell is he overated

Mentally ill, probably psychotic, who channelled his rage and inadequacies into the most furious baseball machine the sport has ever seen. A big man for his era (6'2 190 lbs) he was quick, aggressive and ruthless. A spray hitter who could display surprising power, he appeared to love inside baseball and was as merciless a competitor who ever pulled on spikes. In baseball heaven, he comes to the plate to dig in against Bob Gibson, his black pitching opposite (minus the mental illness.) God knows what happens next, but it won't be pretty.

Just look at his batting stats.... enuff said!