Babe Ruth

Babe Ruth

American Baseball Legend
Also known as: George Herman Ruth, Jr., Sultan of Swat, the Bambino
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Last updated: Dec 12, 2024 • Article History

Quick Facts

• Full name: George Herman Ruth, Jr.
• Nicknames: the Bambino, Sultan of Swat
• Born: February 6, 1895, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
• Died: August 16, 1948, New York, New York (aged 53)
• Honors: Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame (1936), Most Valuable Player (1923), two-time All-Star, 7 World Series titles, 1 Batting Champion, 1 MVP, 1 ERA leader

Babe Ruth (born George Herman Ruth, Jr. on February 6, 1895, in Baltimore, Maryland) passed away on August 16, 1948, in New York, New York. He was one of the first five members inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936, a year after his career ended. Ruth revolutionized baseball with his home run hitting, sparking an offensive transformation in the sport. His remarkable achievements, combined with his personal charm and his rise from humble beginnings, made him the most famous American athlete of his time, earning him the titles "Sultan of Swat" and "the Bambino."

Early Life and Career

Born into a working-class family, Ruth's early life was challenging. His father, George Sr., owned a saloon in a rough Baltimore neighborhood. Ruth's parents had eight children, but only he and his younger sister survived into adulthood. His parents were often busy, and Ruth had little supervision, leading him to roam the streets, engage in petty crimes, and develop a rebellious nature. At age 7, he was sent to the St. Mary’s Industrial School for Boys, a school for troubled youths, where he would spend much of his adolescence.

In 1914, Ruth signed with Jack Dunn, the owner of the minor-league Baltimore Orioles. A local sportswriter dubbed him one of "Dunn's babes," a nickname that stuck.

Ruth’s exceptional pitching skills earned him a contract with the Boston Red Sox, where he became one of the best left-handed pitchers in baseball. He was so powerful at the plate that he was occasionally played in the outfield or at first base. By 1919, Ruth’s power hitting was evident, as he hit 29 home runs—breaking the previous single-season record of 27.

Boston Red Sox: 1915–1919

Ruth became one of the best pitchers in baseball, leading the Red Sox to three World Series victories. He also set a record for 29 consecutive scoreless World Series innings, cementing his reputation as a dominant force on the mound. But Ruth’s hitting power was undeniable. He hit a career-high 29 home runs in 1919, a total that broke the single-season record.

In 1919, Red Sox owner Harry Frazee sold Ruth to the New York Yankees for $125,000, a deal that would forever alter the course of baseball history.

New York Yankees: 1920–1934

Ruth’s first season with the Yankees in 1920 was nothing short of spectacular. He hit 54 home runs, shattering his own single-season record. The following year, he hit 59 home runs, and in 1923, he became the first player to hit 60 home runs in a single season. That year, Yankee Stadium opened, and the press dubbed it “The House That Ruth Built,” acknowledging his pivotal role in the team’s success.

During his time with the Yankees, Ruth hit 714 career home runs, a record that stood until Hank Aaron surpassed it in 1974. Ruth's legendary performances in the 1927 season, including 60 home runs, made him a national icon. His dynamic partnership with Lou Gehrig formed the heart of the Yankees' powerful lineup, famously dubbed “Murderer's Row.”

Boston Braves: 1935

After declining performance in the 1930s, Ruth joined the Boston Braves as both a player and assistant manager in 1935. However, his hopes of managing a team never materialized, and he retired after the season.

Later Life and Death

Ruth was honored as one of the first five inductees to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936. In his later years, Ruth remained active through golf and public appearances. However, he deeply missed being involved in baseball. He briefly served as a coach for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1938.

Ruth died on August 16, 1948, from throat cancer. His death prompted an outpouring of grief, with an estimated 75,000 people viewing his body at Yankee Stadium. His funeral at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York was attended by thousands.

Legacy

Ruth played a key role in transforming baseball into a more exciting, power-hitting game. His home runs sparked a shift away from the "scientific" small-ball approach to an offensive revolution. Ruth's ability to hit home runs redefined the sport, and his iconic status transcended baseball. Throughout the 1920s, his larger-than-life personality made him a household name, embodying a new era of American celebrity and success. Ruth’s name became synonymous with greatness in sports and beyond.

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