Babe Ruth Career Home Runs
The Sultan of Swat who changed baseball forever.
George Herman "Babe" Ruth (February 6, 1895 – August 16, 1948) was an American professional baseball player whose career in Major League Baseball (MLB) spanned 22 seasons, from 1914 through 1935. Nicknamed "the Bambino" and "the Sultan of Swat", he began his MLB career as a star left-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, but achieved his greatest fame as a slugging outfielder for the New York Yankees. Ruth is regarded as one of the greatest sports heroes in American culture and is considered by many to be the greatest baseball player of all time. In 1936, Ruth was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame as one of its "first five" members.
- Player
- George Herman Ruth Jr.
- Team Affiliation
- New York Yankees (Primary), Boston Red Sox
- Status
- Retired Legend, Hall of Fame Inductee (1936)
- Key Era
- The 'Murderers' Row' and Live Ball Era
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Ruth broke the MLB single-season home run record in 1919 with 29 home runs while still with the Red Sox. After being sold to the Yankees, his big swing led to escalating home run totals that helped usher in baseball's live-ball era. As part of the Yankees' vaunted "Murderers' Row" lineup of 1927, Ruth hit 60 home runs, which extended his own MLB single-season record by a single home run. In his career, he led the American League in home runs 12 times.
In Their Own Story
The 1927 season was a defining moment for Ruth and the Yankees. As part of the "Murderers' Row" lineup, Ruth stepped into the batter's box with a swing that drew fans to the ballpark and boosted the sport's popularity. That year, he hit 60 home runs, extending his own MLB single-season record by a single home run. It was a feat that not only showcased his power but also helped evolve baseball from a low-scoring game of strategy into a sport where the home run was a major factor. Ruth's last season with the Yankees was 1934, and he retired after a short stint with the Boston Braves the following year.
Did You Know?
- Ruth began his MLB career as a star left-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox before converting to an outfielder.
- He twice won 23 games in a season as a pitcher and was a member of three World Series championship teams with the Red Sox.
- Ruth's 60 home runs in 1927 extended his own MLB single-season record by a single home run.
- He led the American League in home runs 12 times during his career.
- Ruth was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936 as one of its 'first five' members.
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