Statue of Ty Cobb facts for kids
Ty Cobb statue (2019)
|
|
| Location | Royston, Georgia, United States |
|---|---|
| Designer | Felix de Weldon |
| Material | Bronze |
| Completion date | 1977 |
| Dedicated to | Ty Cobb |
The Ty Cobb statue is a special monument that honors the famous baseball player Ty Cobb. This large statue was finished in 1977. It was designed by a sculptor named Felix de Weldon. The statue was first placed near baseball stadiums in Atlanta, Georgia. These stadiums were Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium and later Turner Field. After the Atlanta Braves baseball team moved in 2017, the statue was moved. It now stands in Ty Cobb's hometown of Royston, Georgia.
Honoring Ty Cobb's Legacy
Ty Cobb was born in Banks County, Georgia in 1886. He became a professional American baseball player. He played for the Detroit Tigers from 1905 to 1926. Ty Cobb was one of the very first players chosen for the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in 1936. Later in his life, he became a philanthropist. This means he gave a lot of money to help others. He passed away in Atlanta in 1961.
In 1977, a bank president named Mills Lane wanted to honor Cobb. He asked the sculptor Felix de Weldon to create the statue. The statue was finished that same year. It was placed near Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium. Later, in 1997, it moved to Turner Field. At Turner Field, the statue was part of Monument Grove. This area had statues of other baseball heroes like Hank Aaron and Phil Niekro.
The Statue's New Home
In September 2015, the Atlanta Braves baseball team was planning to move. They were leaving Turner Field for a new stadium, SunTrust Park. News reports said the Ty Cobb statue might not move with them. It was the only statue the Braves were not planning to take. The Braves said the statue belonged to the Atlanta–Fulton County Recreation Authority, not the team.
However, some people believed the decision was also because of Ty Cobb's past. There were stories about his behavior, especially concerning race. Both the Recreation Authority and Georgia State University first claimed the statue. But in the end, the statue was given to Cobb's hometown. It was moved to Royston, Georgia. The statue was officially placed there on May 21, 2017. It stands in front of the Royston Public Library. Later that year, a large painting of the statue's new home was shown. This painting is at the Ty Cobb Museum in Royston.
