When it comes to the greatest baseball icons, Babe Ruth stands in a league of his own. His larger-than-life personality and unparalleled talent made him a household name, and his impact on the game is undeniable. But how much do you really know about the man behind the myth?
Pitcher to Powerhouse
Before becoming the home run king, Babe Ruth was a star pitcher. He led the Boston Red Sox to three World Series titles as a dominant left-hander. His dominance on the mound was impressive, but his transition to the batter’s box transformed him into the most feared slugger of his time.
The 60-Home Run Season
In 1927, Ruth set a single-season home run record with 60 dingers, a feat that stood for 34 years. This remarkable achievement highlighted the Yankees’ “Murderers’ Row” and underscored his incredible power. Ruth’s relentless pursuit of greatness at the time left fans and players in awe.
The Curse of the Bambino
Ruth’s 1919 trade from the Red Sox to the Yankees ignited baseball’s most famous legend: the Curse of the Bambino. Boston wouldn’t win another World Series for 86 years, which brought on the belief that Ruth’s departure cursed the team. Meanwhile, Ruth led the Yankees to four World Series titles.
The House That Ruth Built
Yankee Stadium earned the nickname “The House That Ruth Built” for a reason. Ruth’s popularity and unmatched performances drew massive crowds that helped finance the construction of the iconic stadium in 1923. His impact on the game made Yankee Stadium a temple for baseball fans.
First in the Hall of Fame
Back in 1936, Ruth was among the first five players admitted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Given his extraordinary career, his selection was a no-brainer. This honor recognized his on-field achievements and role in shaping the sport’s future.
The Called Shot
One of the most debated moments in sports history is Ruth’s called shot during the 1932 World Series. Legend has it that he pointed to the center-field bleachers before hitting a home run. Whether fact or fiction, the story shows Ruth’s flair for the dramatic and uncanny ability to deliver in the clutch.
The World Series Hero
Ruth’s World Series performances were legendary. He hit 15 home runs in 41 games, a record for decades. His brilliance on baseball’s biggest stage secured the Yankees seven AL pennants and four World Series titles. Ruth’s postseason heroics etched his name in the annals of baseball greatness.
A Man of Records
With 714 home runs, 2,213 RBIs, and a .342 batting average, Ruth shattered world records. He was the first to hit 500 home runs, and his 29 World Series home runs set a long-standing record. His numbers redefined offensive performance and made him a future-generation benchmark.
The Birthday Mix-Up
The Great Bambino famously thought he was born on February 7, 1894, for most of his life. It wasn’t until later in his career that it was revealed his actual birth date was February 6, 1895, according to his birth certificate. This error became a quirky part of his storied life.
Farewell in Boston
Babe Ruth’s final games were with the Boston Braves in 1935, not the Yankees. After years of legendary performances in New York, Ruth returned to Boston, where his career began, to close out his playing days. The brief stint with the Braves marked the end of his iconic career.