Perhaps the most defining aspect of Cobb's personality was his racism. Although he grew up in a time and place where behavior like his was common and accepted, it is extremely appalling to most people today. He simply felt that blacks were inferior and would never receive the same treatment from him that whites did.
Examples unfortunately abound.
One day while walking in Detroit, he stepped in freshly poured asphalt and was yelled at by Fred Collins, a construction worker who happened to be black. Cobb responded by slapping Collins, knocking him to the ground, and continuing on his way. He was charged with assault and battery and found guilty, but received a suspended sentence. An unfortunate incident in Cleveland's Hotel Euclid forced Cobb to go through Canada to avoid arrest during the 1909 World Series in Pittsburgh. Late one Friday night, Cobb got in an argument with the elevator operator and slapped him.