August 30, 1905: Ty Cobb played his first game

Ty Cobb started his playing career on this day in 1905.    He hit .240 in 150 At Bats that season.   It was the last time he hit under .300!

What can you say about a guy with a .367 lifetime batting average?

This is a list of interesting items from the Cobb's career:

1) He has the highest lifetime batting average (.367) in MLB history as well as 1,933 RBI.

2) Ty Cobb is second on the all-time hit list behind Pete Rose.

3) Ty Cobb stole home more than anyone else (50).

4) He won more batting average titles than any other person (12).

In 1936, he became the first player ever selected to the Hall of Fame.

PS: You can listen to my show (Canto Talk).   If you like our posts, drop a dime here.   

We remember Al Lopez (1908-2005)

Alfonso Ramon Lopez was born on this day in 1908.  He died in 2005.  His parents were born in Spain but settled in Cuba.  In 1906, the family moved to Tampa where Al was born. 

Al is the answer to a great trivia question.

Between 1949 and 1964, the Yankees were AL Champs and in the Series every year but two: the White Sox won in '59 and the Indians in '54.

Who was the manager both times? Al Lopez.
As a player, Lopez was a pretty good catcher over 19 years and a Hall of Fame member.

Lopez hit .261 with 51 homers and 652 RBIs. He set the record for most games caught (1,918). It was broken by Bob Boone and Carlton Fisk.

Lopez lived long enough to see the White Sox win the 2005 Series.   It must have been a real treat for him. 

PS: You can listen to my show (Canto Talk).    If you like our posts, drop a dime here.

Stalingrad 1944 & other national security issues with Barry Jacobsen

Monday July 31: Stalingrad 1944 & other national security issues with Barry Jacobsen....click to listen.... https://t.co/2XHpk0s3ZV

— Silvio Canto, Jr. (@SCantojr) July 31, 2017