Busting ’Em and Other Big League Stories

Published in 1914, Busting ’Em was the first of three books credited to Ty Cobb the author. Though in fact it was ghostwritten by John N. Wheeler, who also penned Mathewson’s Pitching in a Pinch, the book fascinates with its insights into Cobb as a public figure. The reader is presented Cobb’s explanation of the beating incident at Hilltop Park, the Baker spiking, and his contentious relationship with teammates. His thoughts—or those he sanctioned—of umpires, his contemporaries, crowds, and strategy are also shared.
This book, long out of print and increasingly hard to find, is essential reading for those who would understand Cobb’s awareness of and investment in the shape of his public image.

Ty Cobb played major league baseball from 1905 to 1928 and is considered by many the greatest player of all time. And one of the smartest.

Ty Cobb. Series Editors Marty McGee and Gary Mitchem
With an introduction by John N. Wheeler
Format: softcover (6 x 8)
Pages: 194
Bibliographic Info: photos, index
Copyright Date: 2003
pISBN: 978-0-7864-1599-1
Imprint: McFarland
Series: The McFarland Historical Baseball Library

Editors’ Note      1

Introduction by John N. Wheeler      3

I. Busting ’Em      7

II. The Effect of Crowds on Big Leaguers      23

III. Sizing Up the Pitchers      36

IV. Inside Stuff About the “Umps”      50

V. Big League Bosses and Their Methods      64

VI. Facing Tough Breaks in the Big Leagues      80

VII. The Brainiest Men in Baseball      94

VIII. Big League Base Running      109

IX. Making a Big League Hitter      123

X. Tragedies of the Diamond      139

XI. Is Baseball a Good Profession?      154

XII. Off the Field with the Big League Players      169

Index      183

“One of the best but least-heralded developments in the recent history of baseball literature was the inauguration of the McFarland Historical Baseball Library in 2003”—I>Spitball; “charming look at the writing styles of almost a century ago”—ForeWord Magazine; “invaluable McFarland Historical Baseball Library series”—Edward Achorn, The Providence Journal.