Ty Cobb played a sport.
Tyrus Raymond Cobb ( December 18 , 1886 -- July 17 , 1961 ) , nicknamed The Georgia Peach , was an American Major League Baseball ( MLB ) outfielder . He retained many other records for almost a half century or more , including most career hits until 1985 ( 4,189 or 4,191 , depending on source ) , most career runs ( 2,245 or 2,246 depending on source ) until 2001 , most career games played ( 3,035 ) and at bats ( 11,429 or 11,434 depending on source ) until 1974 , and the modern record for most career stolen bases ( 892 ) until 1977 . He still holds the career record for stealing home ( 54 times ) and for stealing second base , third base , and home in succession ( 5 times ) , and as the youngest player ever to compile 4,000 hits and score 2,000 runs . Cobb ranks fifth all-time in number of games played and committed 271 errors , the most by any American League ( AL ) outfielder .