Babe Ruth
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.
- Role
- Outfielder / Pitcher
- Primary Teams
- Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Boston Braves
- Red Sox Pitching Wins
- 89
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
At age seven, Ruth was sent to St. Mary's Industrial School for Boys. In 1914, Ruth was signed to play Minor League baseball for the Baltimore Orioles but was soon sold to the Red Sox. By 1916, he had built a reputation as an outstanding pitcher who sometimes hit long home runs. Although Ruth twice won 23 games in a season as a pitcher and was a member of three World Series championship teams with the Red Sox, he wanted to play every day and was allowed to convert to an outfielder. With regular playing time, he broke the MLB single-season home run record in 1919 with 29. After that season, Red Sox owner Harry Frazee sold Ruth to the Yankees amid controversy. In his 15 years with the Yankees, Ruth helped the team win seven American League (AL) pennants and four World Series championships. 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. Ruth's last season with the Yankees was 1934, and he retired after a short stint with the Boston Braves the following year. In his career, he led the AL in home runs 12 times.
In Their Own Story
In 1983, the museum became the official museum of the Baltimore Orioles. Hence, it also houses jerseys once worn by Orioles legends such as Frank Robinson, Cal Ripken Jr., and Jim Palmer. When Camden Yards opened in 1992, the ball which was hit for the first home run in the ballpark was donated to the Museum. In 1985, the site was designated as the official archives of the Baltimore Colts football team. The Super Bowl V trophy won by the Colts is housed in the museum. In 2015, renovations were undertaken with improved accessibility for disabled people, re-imagined galleries, repairs on decaying woodwork, as well as the addition of an entrance on Dover Street. The museum reopened to the public during the week both the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, Ruth's affiliated teams, were visiting Camden Yards to play the Orioles.
Reader's Guide
During Ruth's career, he was the target of intense press and public attention for his baseball exploits and off-field penchants for drinking and womanizing. After his retirement as a player, he was denied the opportunity to manage a major league club, most likely because of poor behavior during parts of his playing career. In his final years, Ruth made many public appearances, especially in support of American efforts in World War II. In 1946, he became ill with nasopharyngeal cancer and died from the disease two years later.
Did You Know?
- Ruth led the AL in home runs 12 times during his career.
- He hit 60 home runs in 1927 as part of the Yankees' Murderers' Row lineup.
- Ruth began his MLB career as a star left-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox.
- He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936 as one of its first five members.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Babe Ruth?
George Herman 'Babe' Ruth Jr. was the most iconic figure in baseball history, evolving from a dominant pitcher for the Boston Red Sox into a legendary outfielder for the New York Yankees. Known as 'The Sultan of Swat,' he captivated fans with his raw power and charismatic personality while shifting the game's focus toward home runs.
What positions did Babe Ruth play?
Ruth began his career as an elite left-handed pitcher, securing 89 wins for Boston before transitioning to become a record-breaking outfielder. This dual role allowed him to dominate both on the mound and at the plate during his transformative years with New York.
What are Babe Ruth's major statistics?
Over his career, he hit 714 home runs and maintained an impressive .342 batting average while playing for Boston and later the Yankees. His offensive output redefined athletic potential and established new standards for power hitting in the sport.
How did Babe Ruth's story end?
After leading the Yankees to four World Series titles, Ruth concluded his professional career with a brief stint on the Boston Braves before retiring due to declining health. His legacy remains intact as he is remembered not just for his stats, but for popularizing baseball as America's national pastime.
Why is Babe Ruth important?
He transformed baseball from a strategy-heavy game into a spectacle of power, fundamentally changing how the sport was played and perceived. His seven World Series championships and larger-than-life persona cemented his status as the face of American athletics in the early 20th century.
More in Baseball Greats
Elsewhere in the Sports Legends universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record