Babe Ruth
Early Life and Career
George Herman "Babe" Ruth Jr. was born on February 6, 1895, in Baltimore, Maryland. He was one of eight children, though only he and his sister Mamie survived infancy. Ruth's parents, George Sr. and Kate, worked long hours in their family-owned saloon, leaving young George to his own devices. By age seven, Ruth was deemed "incorrigible" and sent to the St. Mary's Industrial School for Boys, a reformatory and orphanage where he spent much of his formative years.
At St. Mary's, Ruth was introduced to baseball by Brother Matthias Boutlier, who became a father figure to him. Ruth quickly excelled at the sport, displaying a natural talent for both pitching and hitting. His prowess on the field caught the attention of Jack Dunn, owner of the minor league Baltimore Orioles, who signed Ruth to his first professional contract in 1914.
Major League Debut and Early Success
Ruth's major league debut came later that year when Dunn sold his contract to the Boston Red Sox. Initially, Ruth was used primarily as a pitcher, and he quickly established himself as one of the best in the league. In 1916, he led the American League with a 1.75 ERA and nine shutouts, helping the Red Sox to a World Series title.
Despite his success on the mound, Ruth's batting abilities could not be ignored. By 1918, he was playing more games in the outfield to take advantage of his powerful bat. That year, he led the league in home runs and helped the Red Sox to another World Series victory.
The Trade to the Yankees
In December 1919, Red Sox owner Harry Frazee sold Ruth to the New York Yankees for $125,000, a record sum at the time. The move would forever alter the course of baseball history. With the Yankees, Ruth transitioned to a full-time outfielder and quickly became the most dominant hitter in the game. In 1920, he shattered the single-season home run record with 54, a mark he would break again the following year with 59.
Ruth's prodigious power and charismatic personality made him a national sensation. He was a key figure in the Yankees' rise to prominence, leading the team to seven American League pennants and four World Series titles during his tenure.
The Home Run King
Ruth's impact on the game extended beyond his individual achievements. He revolutionized baseball by popularizing the home run, transforming it from a rare occurrence into a central aspect of the sport. His 1927 season, in which he hit 60 home runs, remains one of the most celebrated in baseball history.
Ruth's career totals of 714 home runs, 2,213 RBIs, and a .342 batting average are among the most impressive in the history of the game. He retired in 1935 after a brief stint with the Boston Braves, leaving a legacy that continues to influence the sport.
Personal Life and Legacy
Ruth's larger-than-life persona extended beyond the baseball diamond. He was known for his charitable work, particularly with children, and his love of the finer things in life. However, his personal life was also marked by excess and controversy, including a tumultuous first marriage and numerous public scandals.
Despite these challenges, Ruth's contributions to baseball and American culture are undeniable. He was one of the first five players inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936, and his name remains synonymous with the sport.