Ty Cobb Museum Unveils New Items

By MJ Kneiser, WLHR Radio, Lavonia

It’s an exciting weekend for the Ty Cobb Museum in Royston.

A special private unveiling will be held Friday evening for long-time donors to the Ty Cobb Museum of some newly received artifacts.

Friday’s reception is by invitation only, according to Museum Executive Director Julie Ridgeway.

Ridgeway says it’s a chance for major donors to the museum to see the new artifacts up close and personal.

“Anyone who’s donated a significant amount to the museum, plus all local leaders and dignitaries will be here Friday night,” she said. “We’re really excited to be able to display these items from the Cobb family.”

Over the summer, members of Ty Cobb’s family donated about a dozen items belonging to the baseball Hall of Famer to the museum.

Among them is one of Ridgeway’s personal favorites – the bronzed cleat.

“I really feel like I’m holding a piece of history when I hold that,” Ridgeway said. “You can tell it’s been re-soled many times. It’s just really beautiful and we’re really proud of it.”

Other items that will be on display for the first time this weekend include trophies from Cobb’s days playing with the Detroit Tigers as well as some hunting awards.

“We have a number of trophies that Ty Cobb received from different organizations. Most are from his baseball career, but some are from field trials with his hunting dogs,” she said.

On Saturday, Ridgeway said the new display will be available for viewing to the general public.

“At 10a Saturday morning, all 600 people on our mailing list have a received an announcement that these items will be on display and the general public will be welcome also.”

Visitors will be given a program listing the new items and the history behind them.

Again, the new donated items at the Ty Cobb Museum can be seen by the general public beginning Saturday at 10a.