Babe Ruth

Babe Ruth was an American baseball player. He was born George Herman Ruth in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1895. He is one of the greatest baseball players of all time. His home run hitting changed the game forever.

Early Life

Ruth had a tough childhood and was sent to a school for boys at age seven. There, a teacher helped him discover his talent for baseball. He started his career as a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. He was traded to the New York Yankees.

The Baltimore house where Babe Ruth was born, now a museum.
The Baltimore house where Babe Ruth was born, now a museum. (Smallbones / Wikimedia Commons)

Big Achievements

Ruth hit 714 home runs during his career. He led the Yankees to seven World Series appearances and four championships. His 1927 record of 60 home runs in a season stood for 34 years. He was one of the first five players elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Fun Facts

  • Ruth was called the Sultan of Swat, the Bambino, and the Great Bambino.
  • He started as a pitcher and was one of the best in baseball before becoming a full-time hitter.
  • He reportedly pointed to the bleachers before hitting a home run in the 1932 World Series.

Did You Know?

Ruth was so popular that Yankee Stadium was nicknamed The House That Ruth Built. Before Ruth, baseball was about strategy and singles. He changed the game by showing that hitting home runs could fill stadiums.