Ty Cobb Honey Boy Evans trophy

Date1910

DescriptionGold-tone, possibly silver plated trophy. Top of trophy has a sculpted figure of a batter on platform. This platform is engraved with GEORGE "HONEY BOY" EVANS / TROPHY / FOR THE / WORLD'S CHAMPION BATSMAN/ NATIONAL AND AMERICAN LEAGUE / SEASON 1910. An abstract, filigree-like design surrounds the top of the next lower section of the trophy, which has an etched silver portrait framed by thick silver leaves, a scroll and harp design, ribbon, and classical comedy/tragedy masks (masks could be a reference to George Evans' celebrity status as a minstrel show performer and owner). This portrait frame is flanked by two metal bats pointing diagonally toward the bottom of the trophy. Flowers and leaves are also engraved along the sides of the center portrait. Four large, undecorated columns support this top portion of the trophy. A silver-toned baseball with an eagle (with wings outstretched) standing on the ball is at the center of these four columns. The base of the trophy (beneath the four columns) is an etched panel that reads "Won By / Ty Cobb / Detroit A.L.B.B.C. / Batting Average 385." To the right of this panel is an etched or engraved figure of a pitcher winding up; a batter and catcher face the pitcher on the left of the text panel. The metal base of the trophy has a geometric shaped border around the very bottom, and a carved floral pattern around the upper perimeter of the base.

Bio/Historical NoteTy Cobb received this "Honey Boy" Evans trophy for posting the highest major league batting average in 1910. Some 70 years later, researchers discovered that Nap Lajoie was the true batting champion. Tyrus Raymond "Ty" Cobb played for the Detroit Tigers (1905-1926) and the Philadelphia Athletics (1927-1928). He also served as the manager of the Tigers from 1921-1926. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936 as one of the "First Five" members.

Object numberB-1950-0079

Artist, Creator, or Manufacturer Dieges & Clust

Subject Cobb, Ty, 1886-1961

Subject Detroit Tigers (Baseball team)

Attributes

Classificationsawards

Dimensions13.5 x 28.5 x 13.5 in.

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