In this statement, Pete Rose is expressing his familiarity with various aspects of Ty Cobb's life and career. By mentioning that he knows everything about Cobb except the size of his hat, Rose suggests a comprehensive understanding of Cobb’s personality, achievements, and even minor details, while leaving out one trivial piece of information.
The deeper meaning behind this quote lies in the contrast between extensive knowledge and insignificant details. Pete Rose is highlighting how much he knows about Ty Cobb by playing down the fact that there's one small detail—like the size of Cobb's hat—that remains unknown to him. This expression underscores the idea that knowing someone well means understanding their character, actions, and legacy rather than focusing on trivial facts. It also reflects a nuanced view of celebrity and sports history, where the essence of a person’s life is more valuable than surface-level details.
Ty Cobb, known as one of baseball's greatest players, had a controversial career marked by his exceptional batting skills and often abrasive personality. Pete Rose made this statement about Cobb during a period when both were well-established figures in Major League Baseball history, reflecting on the extensive knowledge he had accumulated over years of interaction and observation within the sport.
