[1] Cobb began playing professional baseball in 1917 with the Cumberland club in the Blue Ridge League.

[3] After playing only 19 minor league games but compiling a .385 average, Cobb joined the Detroit Tigers in January 1918.

[4] After observing Cobb in spring training, Detroit sports writer Harry Bullion wrote that Cobb displayed "astonishing form" throwing to the bases" and was "cool as the proverbial iceberg, ruffles at nothing, and is never caught making the wrong play.

Cobb was a pinch hitter for pitcher Rudy Kallio in the bottom of the eighth inning, and did not appear in the field.

[3] On May 15, 1918, Cobb passed his physical examination for the Army and was scheduled to report for duty on June 1, 1918.

[10] When Cobb reported to the Army, it was revealed that his real name was Joseph Stanley Serafin.

He broke his hand during a game with San Antonio and was released on May 1, 1919, to the Jersey City Skeeters to recuperate from his injury and then resume playing.

He began the season with the Jersey City Skeeters and, on June 3, 1923, he was sold to the Baltimore Orioles of the International League.

Cobb also had the distinction of catching for future Hall of Famer Lefty Grove, who had his breakout year with the 1924 Orioles, going 26-6.