Ty Cobb, a legendary baseball player and manager, passed away on July 17, 1961, at the age of 74. Born in Narrows, Georgia, in 1886, Cobb was considered by some to be the greatest player in baseball history. He signed his first contract with the Detroit Tigers in 1905 and became a perennial batting champion. During his 24-year career, he won 12 batting titles and amassed over 4,000 hits and 2,000 runs batted in. In 1936, Cobb became one of the first five members inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. After retiring, he managed the Tigers for two seasons and was successful in leading the team to an American League pennant in 1909. Cobb’s influence went beyond baseball. In 1941, he became the first professional athlete to join the United States Marine Corps reserve. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte, five children, and nine grandchildren. Memorial donations in his name may be made to the American Cancer Society.