18. Tyrus Raymond Cobb, born December 18 1886, under the sign of Sagittarius
Sagittarius is a fire sign, according to astrologists, and fire certainly marked the character and personality of Ty Cobb. Cobb transformed early twentieth-century baseball, spending 22 years with the Detroit Tigers. He played with ferocity theretofore unseen by fans. Sagittarians are said to enjoy competition and self-promotion, both traits which Cobb exhibited throughout his career. Early in his career, he sent numerous postcards and letters to sportswriters under a series of aliases. The messages called their attention to a young semi-pro player (himself) and his remarkable speed. Eventually, he caught the attention of the Tigers.
Cobb’s legacy included holding at one time over 90 records in Major League Baseball. He also holds a reputation for violence and racism, much of which was exaggerated by biographer Al Stump and others. Early investments in Atlanta’s Coca-Cola (Cobb lived in Atlanta in the off-season) and Detroit’s General Motors made Cobb a wealthy man. His estate included endowment of the Ty Cobb Educational Foundation, a college scholarship fund in Georgia. He also endowed hospitals and charities, exhibiting the charitable nature said to be particularly prominent in those born under the sign of the archer. By the way, as of this writing, Cobb still holds the dubious record of most errors by an outfielder at 271.