Letter from Ty Cobb to Lloyd Merriman, 1955 July 03

Images(4)

Letter from Ty Cobb to Lloyd Merriman

Date7/3/1955

DescriptionA letter dated July 3, 1955 from Ty Cobb to Lloyd Merriman wherein Cobb sends him hitting tips and discusses the mental part of the game. A letter is handwritten in green ink on Tyrus Cobb letterhead and includes an envelope (not shown) addressed to Merriman.

Object numberBL-2004-01971-03

Correspondent Cobb, Ty, 1886-1961

Subject Cobb, Ty, 1886-1961

Subject Merriman, Lloyd, 1924-2004

Attributes

Classificationsmanuscripts (documents)

Collection NumberBA PHT 044 Correspondence collection

Dimensions7.25 x 10.5 in.

Copyrighthttp://rightsstatements.org/vocab/CNE/1.0/

TrannscriptionTyrus R. Cobb Glenbrook, Douglas County Nevada 7/3/55 Dear Lloyd:- Yours 6/28/55 from Milwaukee, I realize your not playing so much and when called upon your mind is much in apprehension as to hitting "then" which is not a proper "mind feeling", here I at last have my chance and you worry. That's not good and yet not your fault. I do not think I could hit in such a frame of mind. Only thing I can say is to work yourself up mentally, sore at the opposition and the pitcher, in other words a determination, it helps - but you have practiced before the others come out - your system of hitting, you know what you want to do and where to try and hit, and you have practiced it. It's all in position of your feet whether to hit to left or right field, its mechanical, places you in proper position, never go into batters box, per men on base and stage of game, until you know what you are going to try to do. You mention hitting to left field I judge you have a right hand pitcher, your left foot should be back of plate also away your right foot a closed stance, closer to plate by 4 to 6 inches and I would say your left foot then should be 14 inches away from line of plate. Any pitched ball that hits inside of plate you can hit to left of 2nd base, you are in a position to hit the inside ball that hits plate or be called a strike. If more inside then its a ball and take it, that's up to your judgement, then in that position at plate, a pitched ball on outside, that hits plate you can hit it down line or 3rd base. With this and plenty of practice, you can hit the inside ball if a strike, if not let it go. I stress practice until you know what you are doing or want to do and you will have success. Never pull left handers if any speed at all, hit from back line of box and to left field. Important a little more weight on your right foot, do not hit off your back foot, (weight on that foot) you will loft the ball that way also you don't hit "out in front" and your weight of body doesn't follow your step or swing, do not make up your mind to hit to a spot, hit the pitch where it comes but with your stance, set to hit left of second base closed, hit the ball only to that zone. If ball is inside then it will not be a strike and you should not try to pull that ball to right field. With a closed stance, that would be fatal, pitcher has to come to plate, you are set with closed or open stance. You have 3 strikes and 4 balls make him come to you and the plate. Practice this and you will see. The play you mentioned - your ankle - slide on the ground, cut baserunners feet out from under him, this is better way for he has to step to throw. I do not believe in body interference its what they do today but wont last. Only time to use shock or body is straight in at plate with all your weight behind your feet where he is blocking you off Etc, this only to make him give you room to come in next time or to knock the ball out of his hands, you do this (over) by sliding into his {glove} mit or hands with feet, straight in with all body weight behind or kicking his hand or wrist with instep of your foot. Lloyd - get this open and closed stance in your mind - before you take your position in box, practice & practice stay away from balls not over plate, if to pull, open stance, let outside balls go, closed stance let inside balls go, you will hit any inside ball, over edge of plate, to left of second base, if your stance is correct. Don't forget your elbow, also a stoop from waist up, also a little more weight on {left} your right foot, a firm forward feeling of weight. Hope you luck, get this in mind & practice, you cannot go wrong from improving. I am, Sincerely Ty This transcript was created by volunteers during lockdown in 2020.

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