Ty Cobb, one of the greatest baseball players of all time, died on July 17, 1961, at the age of 74. He had been battling cancer for several years, and his condition had deteriorated rapidly in the last months of his life. But what exactly caused his death, and what were the circumstances surrounding his final moments? In this article, we will explore the facts and myths about Ty Cobb’s cause of death autopsy, and reveal some surprising details about his life and legacy.
The Cancer Diagnosis
Ty Cobb was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1958, after he noticed blood in his urine. He underwent surgery to remove his prostate gland, but the cancer had already spread to other parts of his body. He refused to undergo chemotherapy or radiation therapy, opting instead for alternative treatments such as laetrile, a controversial substance derived from apricot pits that was claimed to cure cancer. According to Smithsonian Magazine, Cobb also tried injections of gold and mercury, as well as drinking mineral water from a Georgia spring.
Cobb’s health declined steadily over the next few years, as the cancer invaded his bones, lungs, and brain. He suffered from severe pain, weight loss, insomnia, and depression. He also became addicted to painkillers and alcohol, which affected his mood and behavior. He isolated himself from most of his friends and family, except for a few loyal companions who stayed by his side until the end.
The Deathbed Confession
One of the most controversial aspects of Ty Cobb’s cause of death autopsy is the alleged confession he made to his ghostwriter, Al Stump, shortly before he died. Stump was hired by Cobb in 1960 to write his autobiography, My Life in Baseball: The True Record. The book was published in 1961, shortly after Cobb’s death, and portrayed him as a fierce competitor who had no regrets about his violent and aggressive style of play.
However, Stump later claimed that Cobb had told him many dark secrets that he did not include in the book, such as admitting to killing a man in Detroit in 1912. According to Stump, Cobb said that he was attacked by three men who tried to rob him while he was driving with his wife. He fought back and stabbed one of them with a knife, leaving him for dead. He then drove to the train station and boarded a train to Syracuse, where he played an exhibition game the next day.
Stump also said that Cobb confessed to other crimes and misdeeds, such as fixing games, cheating on his wives, beating up umpires and fans, and being involved in a Ku Klux Klan lynching. Stump wrote several articles and books based on these confessions, which tarnished Cobb’s reputation and cast doubt on his credibility.
However, many historians and biographers have questioned the validity of Stump’s claims, arguing that he fabricated or exaggerated many of the stories to make money and fame. They point out that there is no evidence or witnesses to corroborate Cobb’s alleged murder or other crimes. They also note that Stump had a history of lying and plagiarism, and that he had a personal vendetta against Cobb for mistreating him during their collaboration. They suggest that Stump took advantage of Cobb’s weakened state of mind and exploited his trust to create a sensationalized version of his life.
The Final Moments
Ty Cobb spent the last month of his life at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. He checked in on June 16, 1961, carrying a brown bag filled with $1 million in negotiable securities and a Luger pistol. He was given a private room with a view of the city skyline. He received visits from some former teammates and friends, such as Ray Schalk, Mickey Cochrane, Nap Rucker, and Sid Keener. He also reconciled with some of his estranged children and grandchildren.
On July 16, 1961, Cobb knew that he was dying. He asked his nurse to call his son Herschel and tell him to come quickly. He also asked for a priest to give him the last rites. He converted to Catholicism on his deathbed, after being raised as a Protestant. He told the priest that he regretted many things in his life, but that he hoped God would forgive him.
He died peacefully at 7:05 a.m. on July 17th , with Herschel by his side. His last words were “I’m ready”. His body was taken to Royston , Georgia , where he was buried next to his parents in Rose Hill Cemetery . Only three former players attended his funeral: Schalk , Cochrane , and Rucker . The rest of the baseball world seemed to ignore or forget him.
The Legacy
Ty Cobb’s cause of death autopsy revealed that he died from complications of cancer, but it also opened a Pandora’s box of controversies and mysteries about his life. He left behind a complex and contradictory legacy, as one of the greatest and most hated players in baseball history. He was admired for his skill and passion, but despised for his temper and racism. He was generous and charitable, but also selfish and greedy. He was a hero and a villain, a legend and a myth.
Ty Cobb’s cause of death autopsy may have closed the chapter on his physical existence, but it did not end the debate on his moral and historical significance. He remains a fascinating and controversial figure, who continues to inspire and challenge generations of baseball fans and historians.
