Royston isn't just for Ty Cobb fans

Just northeast of Commerce and south of Lake Hartwell sits a quiet little town that was home to one of the biggest noisemakers baseball has ever seen.

It was in Royston that the legendary Ty Cobb spent his childhood days before joining the major leagues in 1905. Nicknamed the “Georgia Peach,” Cobb is regarded by many as one of the game’s all-time greatest players and still holds the record for highest career batting average to this day.

In 1936, Cobb was the first inductee into the Baseball Hall of Fame, receiving more votes than his contemporary Babe Ruth.

Randy Moore, a retired Navy pilot and Royston native, remembers his boyhood days when Cobb came home to visit with fondness.

“He was a snazzy dresser, drove a Cadillac and carried a little bag of money with him wherever he went,” Moore told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “The day he died in 1961, he had a leather bag with a million dollars in it and a Luger pistol at his bedside.”

Tales like this speak to Cobb’s paradoxical nature: He was known for his infamous temper and aggressive play, yet readily gave away his money to those in need, including fellow player “Shoeless” Joe Jackson. And while Braves fever sweeps over the metro area once again, what better time to make the trek about 90 miles up I-85 and take a walk in the footsteps of a baseball legend where you’ll surely be regaled with a yarn or two?

The Ty Cobb Museum

The museum, which was dedicated to Cobb on the 37th anniversary of his death, sits in an assuming professional building across from the Cobb Memorial Hospital. The hospital was realized after Cobb donated $100,000 for the construction. The museum collection consists of rare photographs, precious memorabilia and other treasures, including Cobb's 1907 American League batting champion medal. A tiny horseshoe-shaped theater features stadium-style seating, dramatized by an authentic mural depicting a timeline of Cobb's life. Sit and enjoy a 15-minute video containing interviews with Atlanta Braves player Chipper Jones along with rare footage and still photographs of Cobb's life narrated by Larry Munson. The museum also houses the Franklin County Sports Hall of Fame. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays. $5 adults; $4 seniors; $3 students; free, children under 5 and active military. 461 Cook St., Royston. 706-245-1825, www.tycobbmuseum.org.

Victoria Bryant State Park

Sitting snugly in Georgia's upper Piedmont is one of Royston's natural treasures. Victoria Bryant State Park encompasses more than 500 acres of rolling hills and boasts 35 campsites, five picnic sites and two pioneer camps for larger groups. Hikers can enjoy either a short nature trail or a longer perimeter trail. Two ponds are open for fishing (license required). Old-fashioned group hayrides are available; call the park to check availability. Each ride is approximately 20 to 25 minutes long. The park also features the Highland Walk Golf Course, a challenging and reasonably priced 18-hole course. Clinics are available to all ages. See website for more details. Hayrides, $3 per ride; $5 parking. Greens fees, $28-$38.50. 1105 Bryant Park Road, Royston. Park, 706-245-6270; golf, 706-245-6770, http://gastateparks.org/info/vicbryant/.

APW Wrestling

Every Friday night, there’s a smackdown behind the Royston Elementary School as Alternative Pro Wrestling takes center stage. See names like Jeremy Vain, Anthony Henry and new tag-team champions the Hate Junkies suit up and take the ring for what is described as “family fun for all.” 8 p.m. Fridays. $5. 660 College St., Royston. 706-246-5776.