50 Facts About Babe Ruth

Early Life and Beginnings

Babe Ruth, one of baseball's most legendary figures, had a fascinating life from the start. Here are some intriguing facts about his early years and how he began his journey in baseball.

1. Born George Herman Ruth Jr. on February 6, 1895, in Baltimore, Maryland.
2. Ruth was one of eight children, but only he and his sister Mamie survived infancy.
3. At age seven, Ruth was sent to St. Mary's Industrial School for Boys, a reformatory and orphanage.
4. Brother Matthias, a monk at St. Mary's, taught Ruth how to play baseball.
5. Ruth's parents owned a tavern, which contributed to his rough upbringing.
6. He signed his first professional contract with the Baltimore Orioles in 1914.

Rise to Stardom

Ruth's talent quickly became apparent, leading to his rise in the baseball world. These facts highlight his journey to becoming a household name.

7. Ruth was sold to the Boston Red Sox in July 1914.
8. Initially, he was a pitcher, not an outfielder or hitter.
9. In 1916, Ruth led the American League with a 1.75 ERA.
10. He set a World Series record by pitching 29 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings.
11. Ruth hit his first major league home run on May 6, 1915.
12. By 1919, he transitioned to a full-time outfielder to take advantage of his hitting prowess.

The Yankees Era

Babe Ruth's time with the New York Yankees solidified his status as a baseball icon. These facts delve into his legendary career with the team.

13. In December 1919, Ruth was sold to the Yankees for $100,000.
14. This sale is often cited as the beginning of the "Curse of the Bambino" for the Red Sox.
15. Ruth hit 54 home runs in 1920, breaking his own record.
16. He became the first player to hit 60 home runs in a season in 1927.
17. Ruth's 1927 Yankees team, known as "Murderers' Row," is considered one of the greatest in history.
18. He helped the Yankees win seven American League pennants and four World Series titles.

Personal Life and Legacy

Beyond his baseball achievements, Ruth's personal life and lasting legacy are equally fascinating. Here are some facts about the man behind the legend.

19. Ruth married Helen Woodford in 1914; they adopted a daughter named Dorothy.
20. Helen died in a house fire in 1929, and Ruth married Claire Merritt Hodgson later that year.
21. Ruth was known for his charitable work, often visiting sick children in hospitals.
22. He was a heavy drinker and partier, which sometimes affected his performance.
23. Ruth's larger-than-life personality made him a beloved figure beyond baseball.
24. He retired in 1935 with 714 career home runs, a record that stood until 1974.

Post-Retirement and Death

Even after retiring, Ruth remained a significant figure in baseball and American culture. These facts cover his later years and enduring impact.

25. Ruth made several unsuccessful attempts to become a manager.
26. He was one of the first five inductees into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936.
27. Ruth appeared in several films and vaudeville acts after retiring.
28. He was diagnosed with throat cancer in 1946.
29. Ruth's autobiography, "The Babe Ruth Story," was published in 1948.
30. He died on August 16, 1948, at the age of 53.

Records and Achievements

Babe Ruth's records and achievements are numerous, cementing his place in baseball history. Here are some of his most notable accomplishments.

31. Ruth was a seven-time World Series champion.
32. He led the American League in home runs 12 times.
33. Ruth was a two-time All-Star, though the All-Star Game was only introduced in 1933.
34. He had a career batting average of .342.
35. Ruth was the first player to hit 500 home runs.
36. He still holds the record for the highest slugging percentage in a season (.847 in 1920).

Cultural Impact

Ruth's influence extended far beyond the baseball diamond. These facts highlight his cultural impact and how he became an American icon.

37. Ruth was one of the first athletes to have a candy bar named after him, the "Baby Ruth."
38. He was a frequent guest on radio shows, helping to popularize the medium.
39. Ruth's larger-than-life persona made him a favorite subject for cartoons and comic strips.
40. He was featured on the cover of Time magazine in 1928.
41. Ruth's life and career have been the subject of numerous books and films.
42. His jersey number, 3, was retired by the Yankees in 1948.

Fun and Lesser-Known Facts

Even the most die-hard fans might not know these fun and lesser-known facts about Babe Ruth.

43. Ruth once hit an inside-the-park home run in the World Series.
44. He was known to call his shot, famously pointing to the stands before hitting a home run in the 1932 World Series.
45. Ruth was a talented bowler and golfer.
46. He had a deep fear of dentists and avoided them whenever possible.
47. Ruth was known for his superstitions, such as not allowing anyone to touch his bats.
48. He once wore a cabbage leaf under his cap to keep cool during games.
49. Ruth was an avid hunter and fisherman.
50. He was known to eat as many as a dozen hot dogs in one sitting.

The Legend Lives On

Babe Ruth's impact on baseball and popular culture remains unmatched. His record-breaking home runs, larger-than-life personality, and contributions to the game have cemented his place in history. Even decades after his last game, Ruth's name still resonates with fans and players alike. His story is a testament to the power of talent, hard work, and a bit of showmanship. From his humble beginnings to becoming a household name, Ruth's journey inspires countless individuals. Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan or just curious about sports history, Babe Ruth's legacy offers something for everyone. His influence extends beyond the diamond, reminding us of the timeless appeal of a true sports icon. So next time you hear the crack of a bat, think of the Sultan of Swat and the indelible mark he left on the world.