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Tyrus Raymond Cobb, commonly known as Ty Cobb, was an American professional baseball player who primarily played as an outfielder in Major League Baseball. Born in the small farming community of The Narrows, Georgia, which was unincorporated at the time, Cobb's career spanned 24 years, with 22 of those years spent with the Detroit Tigers, where he also served as player-manager for six seasons. He concluded his playing days with the Philadelphia Athletics. In 1936, Cobb topped the inaugural Baseball Hall of Fame ballot, garnering 222 out of a possible 226 votes. Cobb is often credited with establishing 90 Major League Baseball records during his career. As of 2013, he still holds several records, including the highest career batting average (.366 or .367 depending on the source) and the most career batting titles (11 or 12 depending on the source). For nearly half a century or more, he held numerous other records such as the most career hits until 1985 (4,189 or 4,191 depending on the source), most career runs (2,245 or 2,246 depending on the source) until 2001, most career games played (3,035) and at bats (11,429 or 11,434 depending on the source) until 1974, and the modern record for most career stolen bases (892) until 1977. He remains the career leader in stealing home (54 times). Over his career, Cobb played in 3,035 major league games, ranking fifth all-time, and committed 271 errors, the highest among any American League outfielder. Cobb's legacy as a player has sometimes been overshadowed by his aggressive style and surly temperament, described by the Detroit Free Press as "daring to the point of dementia." Cobb reflected on his image shortly before his death, writing, "In legend I am a sadistic, slashing, swashbuckling despot who waged war in the guise of sport." He was infamous for sliding into bases feet first with spikes high. After his death, allegations of racism and violence have tarnished his legacy. However, much of the negative portrayal of Cobb as an extremely violent individual stems from Al Stump, his first biographer, whose credibility has been questioned. Cobb's views on race evolved later in his life, and his legacy includes significant contributions like a generous college scholarship fund for Georgia residents, funded by his early investments in Coca-Cola and General Motors.