Babe Ruth
After starring as a left-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, Ruth was sold to the New York Yankees before the 1920 season. That year he smashed an unheard-of 54 home runs, transforming baseball from a small-ball game into the power era and making himself the sport's first national superstar.
Humble Baltimore Beginnings
Born in a rough neighborhood of Baltimore, young George was sent to St. Mary's Industrial School for boys at age seven. There, a monk named Brother Matthias taught him baseball and shaped the raw talent that would change the sport forever.
The House That Ruth Built
After his blockbuster 1920 sale to New York, Ruth's home run power packed stadiums and helped fund the construction of Yankee Stadium, which opened in 1923. He christened it by hitting a home run in its very first game.
An American Legend
Ruth retired in 1935 holding 56 Major League records and became one of the first five players elected to the Hall of Fame. When he died of cancer in 1948, tens of thousands filed past his casket at Yankee Stadium.
Career Timeline
- 1895Born George Herman Ruth Jr. in Baltimore. He long had the year wrong.
- 1914Red Sox. A left-handed pitcher first.
- 1920Sold to the Yankees. Hits 54 home runs.
- 1923Yankee Stadium opens. He homers in the first game.
- 1927Sixty home runs.
- 1936Hall of Fame, first class.
- 1948Number 4 retired. Dies in New York at fifty-three.
Biggest Hits
- Ruth believed for most of his life he was born February 7, 1894, only discovering his true 1895 birth date when applying for a passport.
- He began his career as one of the American League's best pitchers, posting a 94-46 record and a 2.28 ERA before becoming a full-time slugger.
Portrait: Irwin, La Broad, & Pudlin · Public domain · via Wikimedia Commons