Ty Cobb’s Detroit: A writer journeys back in time

A “genius in spikes.” An incorrigible racist. How do we define the memory of the greatest Tiger, Ty Cobb, who passed away 50 years ago this month? Local writer Anna Clark goes back to a shabby duplex on Commonwealth and Willis in Woodbridge, where Cobb and his young family lived. Through the eyes of the home’s current owner, and by delving into Cobb’s history, Clark attempts to make sense of the man who was, at times, both a legend and a lout. And she manages, through the narrative of Cobb’s life, to draw parallels between our memories of the ballplayer and the narratives we seek to create for Detroit.

Excerpt:

Ty Cobb can be a cruel man, and at the same time be a misunderstood
hero. Detroit can be both a ravaged, bleeding city and an inspired place
where creative people are imagining new ways for an urban center to be
successful. In fact, that’s exactly what is true.

Clark’s story is a grand slam. Catch it here.