Alex Rivers

Who was Alex Rivers?

Alex Rivers was a Black ballboy for the Detroit Tigers, and he was known for his strong relationship with Ty Cobb.

• Cobb's Actions:

  Despite his reputation, Cobb became a "main defender and patron" of Rivers, even hiding him on segregated trains and in hotels.

• Post-Baseball Career:

  After the baseball season, Cobb took Rivers back home to Georgia and gave him a job, and may have secured him a permanent job as a chauffeur.

• Cindy Cobb Ty's Granddaughter asked me to paint this man as she relayed how important Alex was to him.

• Alex got married to a woman who found oil on her land. They became wealthy beyond their wildest dreams.

• Great story of a beautiful character.