HARRISON — When we think of sports, we think ESPN. When we consider the greats of baseball, we consider Babe Ruth and Ted Williams. When we talk about the “baddest” players in the Major League, we talk about Pete Rose and A-Rod.
That all might change with the Deertrees Theatre Festival’s presentation of Lee Blessing’s multimedia production about Detroit Tiger legend, Ty Cobb.

“Cobb” is the story of the man who was one of the greatest baseball players of all time, setting 90 Major League records during his career. His batting accomplishments are legendary: a lifetime average of .367, 12 batting titles (including nine in a row), 23 straight seasons in which he hit over .300, three .400 seasons (topped by a .420 mark in 1911) and 2,245 runs.

He was also the dirtiest, meanest, most intimidating player ever to play in the big leagues. Here, for example, is how he justified his play: “The base paths belonged to me, the runner. The rules gave me the right. I always went into a bag full speed, feet first. I had sharp spikes on my shoes. If the baseman stood where he had no business to be and got hurt, that was his fault.”

In this dramatic insight into a man who sacrificed his humanity to achieve greatness, three different actors play Cobb at three different stages of his life. The Peach, age 19, at the start of his long career with the Detroit Tigers; Ty in his early 40s at the end of his playing days; and Mr. Cobb in his early 70s, near death and suffering from cancer. Added to the mix is Oscar Charleston, “the black Cobb” who because of segregation never got to play against the real Cobb.

“Cobb” will be performed Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Aug. 12-15. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students. They may be purchased at the Cool Moose in Bridgton, the Country Sleigh in Naples, Books N Things in Bethel and Fare-Share Coop in Norway; through the Deertrees box office at 583-6747; and online at www.deertreestheatre.org.