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Former Baseball Star Eddie Cicotte’s Secret For Dominating Hitters Like Ty Cobb
The former star pitcher befuddled hitters of all kinds during his career — including the man with the highest batting average in MLB history
Hall-of-Fame outfielder Ty Cobb saw all kinds of pitching during his lengthy playing career. Out of all the hurlers he faced, he believed Eddie Cicotte, of Chicago “Black Sox” fame, was the trickiest he faced, primarily because of what he thought was a devastating spitball. However, years after both players retired, Cicotte shared the secret that it was something completely different that he used to turn himself into a nearly unhittable ace.
In an article called “They Don’t Play Baseball Any More” that Cobb penned for Life Magazine in 1952, the former outfielder detailed how difficult he found Cicotte to face after he transformed himself midway through his career. His musings were reprinted by H.G. Salsinger, the Detroit News Sports Editor, and elicited a response from the pitcher, who seemed amused at the illusions he had once created on a mound.
Like any good magician, Cicotte deflected credit for the abracadabra he performed. Instead, he credited the hitters for his success:
“The mystery was supplied…
