The debut of Ty Cobb

Ty Cobb as a rookie in 1905 with Detroit

An irascible, 18-year-old Ty Cobb makes his major league debut 120 years ago today, picking up a double off future Hall of Famer Jack Chesbro in the Tigers’ 5-3 victory over the New York Highlanders.

Cobb’s first game in the majors comes before a Wednesday afternoon crowd of 1,200 at Detroit's old Bennett Field.

Cobb finishes his first season in 1905 batting just .238 – the only time during his 24-year Hall of Fame career he hits under .316.

Overall, he finishes his career in 1928 with a major league-record .366 batting average.

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