Heart of a Tiger: Growing Up With My Grandfather, Ty Cobb

Born into a wildly dysfunctional household, Cobb grew up with a skewed perspective on family: his abusive father had a cruel streak, and his emotionally distant, alcoholic mother freely admitted she didn't want kids in the first place. That all changed after his father died and he and his siblings began to spend summers with their grandfather, the legendary baseball player Ty Cobb. There, his days were spent swimming and boating instead of living in fear. Though Ty Cobb had a reputation for surliness and a very aggressive playing style on the ball field, the man portrayed here is incredibly warm, showering his grandchildren with love and encouragement. This bounty of spirit extended to others as well, as Herschel Cobb recalls helping the aging sportsman mail off countless autographed baseballs to young admirers; he also recounts the elder Cobb helping out friends and former teammates who'd fallen on hard times. Elegantly written and genuinely moving, this heartwarming account is sure to resonate with readers. (Apr.)