Joe Cobb (baseball)
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Joseph Stanley Cobb, born Joseph Stanley Serafin (January 24, 1895 - December 24, 1947) was a Major League Baseball player who appeared in one game for the Detroit Tigers on April 25, 1918. Born in Hudson, Pennsylvania, Joe Cobb was not related to his Tiger teammate Ty Cobb. In his one Major League game, Cobb had a single plate appearance as a pinch-hitter. He drew a base on balls and, accordingly, has a plate appearance but not an official at bat. His career on base percentage was a perfect 1.000.
Joe Cobb also played in the minor leagues for the Jersey City Skeeters and the Baltimore Orioles. In 1923 and 1924, Joe Cobb was the starting catcher for the minor league Baltimore Orioles of the International League. The 1923 Orioles had a record of 111-53, and the 1924 Orioles are considered to be one of the 5 greatest minor league teams of all time, having finished with a record of 117-48.[1] After the Orioles won the 1923 pennant, The Sporting News wrote an article describing Joe Cobb's role on the team: "[Manager] Dunn’s first moves were to obtain catcher Joe Cobb from Jersey City . . . and to sign veteran pitcher Chief Bender. The addition of the peppy Cobb put new life in the Orioles." [2] In 1923, Cobb hit .320 with 72 runs and 80 RBIs. In 1924, Cobb was named to the International League all star team and hit .320 with 84 RBIs and 75 runs. Joe Cobb has the distinction of having been the catcher for Hall of Famer Lefty Grove, who had his breakout year with the 1924 Orioles, going 26-6. [3]
In 1931, Joe Cobb was the manager of the Harrisburg Senators. [4]
Joe Cobb died in 1947 at age 52 in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
