Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Babe Ruth

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Babe Ruth made an impact.

Babe Ruth, nicknamed "the Bambino" and "the Sultan of Swat," was a legendary American baseball player who played in MLB from 1914 to 1935. Initially a star left-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, he achieved iconic status as a slugging outfielder for the New York Yankees. Widely regarded as one of the greatest sports heroes and baseball players of all time, Ruth was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936 as one of its inaugural members. His impact on baseball and American culture remains significant.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

1902: Ruth breaks AL single-season record

On July 29th, Babe Ruth broke the AL single-season mark of 16, set by Ralph "Socks" Seybold in 1902.

March 7, 1914: First Professional Appearance

On March 7, 1914, Babe Ruth made his first appearance as a professional baseball player in an inter-squad game, playing shortstop and pitching the last two innings of a 15-9 victory. He also hit a home run.

July 11, 1914: Ruth Arrives in Boston and Wins First Game

On July 11, 1914, Babe Ruth arrived in Boston. Also on this day, he reportedly met Helen Woodford and won his first game as a pitcher for the Red Sox, defeating the Cleveland Naps 4-3.

July 30, 1914: Lannin Purchases Providence Grays

On July 30, 1914, Boston Red Sox owner Joseph Lannin purchased the minor-league Providence Grays. To appease fans upset about losing a star player in the deal, Lannin announced that Babe Ruth would be sent to Providence as a replacement, but this was delayed by a waiver claim from the Cincinnati Reds. After discussions, Ruth was allowed to proceed to the minors. Carrigan later said the aim was to win the league championship, not develop Ruth.

August 18, 1914: Ruth Joins Providence Grays

On August 18, 1914, Babe Ruth joined the Providence Grays. Ruth credited Providence manager "Wild Bill" Donovan with teaching him much about pitching. Ruth's time with the Grays was marked by impressive pitching performances.

March 1915: First Major League Spring Training

In March 1915, Babe Ruth reported to Hot Springs, Arkansas, for his first major league spring training with the Boston Red Sox. Despite his successful first season, he wasn't slated as a regular starter due to the presence of established left-handed pitchers. However, injuries gave Ruth another chance to start.

August 1915: Warhop concludes MLB career

In August 1915, Jack Warhop concluded his eight-season major league career. While undistinguished, Warhop is notable for being the first major league pitcher to give up a home run to Babe Ruth.

1915: Red Sox Win World Series, Ruth Not Called to Pitch

In 1915, Babe Ruth finished the season with an 18-8 record as a pitcher and a .315 batting average with four home runs. The Red Sox won the AL pennant and the 1915 World Series, but Ruth was not called upon to pitch due to the pitching staff being healthy. Ruth was used as a pinch hitter in Game Five and grounded out. During the season he hit a ball that soared over Grand Avenue, breaking the window of a Chevrolet dealership.

1916: Carrigan Retires, Frazee Purchases Red Sox

After the 1916 season, Red Sox player and manager Carrigan retired and returned to Maine, while Harry Frazee, a New York theatrical promoter, purchased the team. Frazee hired Jack Barry as manager.

1916: Ruth Engages in Pitching Duels with Walter Johnson

In 1916, Babe Ruth engaged in repeated pitching duels with Walter Johnson of the Washington Senators, winning four out of five matchups. Ruth went 23-12 for the season, leading the league with a 1.75 ERA and nine shutouts. The Red Sox won the pennant and World Series. Ruth started and won Game 2, 2-1, in 14 innings, which was the longest World Series game until 2005.

1917: Ruth's Suspension and Shore's Near Perfect Game

In 1917, Babe Ruth went 24-13 with a 2.01 ERA. On June 23, Ruth was ejected from a game against Washington for arguing with the umpire and throwing a punch. He was suspended for ten days and fined $100. Ernie Shore relieved Ruth and after the runner was caught stealing, Shore retired all 26 batters he faced. Ruth was used little as a batter that year and hit .325 with two home runs.

1918: Red Sox Win World Series, Ruth Wins Two Games

In 1918, the Red Sox faced the Chicago Cubs in the World Series. Babe Ruth pitched and won Game One, a 1-0 shutout. In Game Four, despite injuring his hand, Ruth pitched and contributed a triple to give his team a lead. He was later relieved but remained in the game as a left fielder. The Red Sox won the Series, marking Ruth's third and last World Series pitching victory. Ruth's consecutive scoreless innings record stood for over 40 years.

1918: Ruth Shares Home Run Title

In the war-shortened 1918 season, Babe Ruth primarily played as an outfielder. He hit .300 with 11 home runs, sharing the major league home run title with Tilly Walker of the Philadelphia Athletics. He also had a 13-7 record as a pitcher.

1918: Ruth Ties Career Best Home Run Total

On July 5th and a week later in two consecutive games, Babe Ruth scored 1 home run each raising his season total to 11 tying his career best from 1918.

March 1919: Ruth agrees to three-year contract

In March 1919, Babe Ruth reportedly accepted a three-year contract with the Boston Red Sox for a total of $27,000, following protracted negotiations.

December 26, 1919: Sale of Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees

On December 26, 1919, Harry Frazee, owner of the Boston Red Sox, sold Babe Ruth's contract to the New York Yankees.

1919: Ruth Focuses on Hitting

During the 1919 season, Babe Ruth was used as a pitcher in only 17 of his 130 games and compiled a 9–5 record. After late June, the Red Sox were out of the race, and Ruth concentrated on hitting, drawing people to the ballpark with his home runs.

January 6, 1920: Deal for Babe Ruth announced

On January 6, 1920, the New York Yankees announced the deal to acquire Babe Ruth after Ruth agreed to fulfill the remaining two years on his contract and was given a $20,000 bonus, payable over two seasons.

1920: Ruth's 1920 Yankees jersey sold

In 1920, Babe Ruth wore a Yankees jersey that was later sold for $4.4 million in 2012 (equivalent to $6.05 million in 2024).

1920: Barrow hired to replace Harry Sparrow

In 1920, Yankees business manager Harry Sparrow died, and Ruppert and Huston hired Barrow to replace him.

1920: Home Run Altered How Baseball is Played

Prior to 1920, home runs were unusual, but Ruth's penchant for hitting home runs altered how baseball is played.

1921: Ruth's Home Run Pace

In 1927, as of September 6, Ruth was still several games off his 1921 pace of single-season home run record.

March 4, 1922: Ruth signs contract

On March 4, 1922, Babe Ruth signed a new contract for three years at $52,000 a year, which was 40% of the team's player payroll.

November 11, 1922: Morals Clause

On November 11, 1922, Babe Ruth and Ruppert signed a contract addendum with a morals clause, requiring Ruth to abstain from alcohol and maintain appropriate behavior.

April 18, 1923: Yankee Stadium Opens

Yankee Stadium opened on April 18, 1923, with Babe Ruth hitting the first home run in what was quickly dubbed "the House that Ruth Built".

1923: Yankees win AL Pennant and World Series

In 1923, the Yankees dominated the season, securing the AL pennant by a significant 17-game lead. Babe Ruth achieved a career-high .393 batting average and tied for the most home runs in the major leagues with 41. Additionally, Ruth hit 45 doubles, a career-high, and set a major league record with 379 times reaching base. The Yankees faced the Giants in the World Series for the third consecutive year and won the series. Ruth's performance was outstanding with a .368 batting average, eight walks, eight runs scored, three home runs, and a 1.000 slugging percentage, marking the Yankees' inaugural World Series championship in their new stadium.

1924: Yankees battle for pennant, Ruth wins batting title

In 1924, the Yankees, facing injury challenges, contended with the Senators for the pennant. Despite a strong performance in September, they were defeated by the Senators by two games. However, Babe Ruth achieved a .378 batting average and secured his only AL batting title, also leading the league with 46 home runs.

1926: Ruth's stellar season and World Series performance

In 1926, Babe Ruth had a remarkable season, batting .372 with 47 home runs and 146 RBIs. The Yankees dominated, securing the pennant by mid-June. In the World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals, Ruth hit three home runs in Game Four, marking a historic achievement. Despite his efforts, including a defensive gem in Game Five, the Yankees lost the series to the Cardinals in a dramatic Game Seven where Ruth was thrown out attempting to steal second.

1927: Ruth faces Tom Zachary

In 1927, Babe Ruth faced Tom Zachary on a September afternoon, solidifying his place in American culture.

1927: Yankees' record-breaking season and Ruth's 60 home runs

In 1927, the New York Yankees, known as Murderers' Row, had a historic season, clinching first place on Labor Day, winning a then-AL-record 110 games, and securing the AL pennant by 19 games. Babe Ruth broke his own single-season home run record, hitting his 60th homer on September 30 off Tom Zachary. He finished the season with a .356 batting average, 164 RBIs, and a .772 slugging percentage. The Yankees swept the Pittsburgh Pirates in the World Series.

1928: Yankees' season and Ruth's performance

In 1928, the Yankees started strong but faced challenges due to injuries and inconsistent play. They eventually regained first place and clinched the pennant. Babe Ruth's performance mirrored the team's, with a hot start followed by a slump. He finished the season with 54 home runs. The Yankees swept the Cardinals in the World Series, with Ruth batting .625 and hitting three home runs in Game Four.

1929: Yankees adopt uniform numbers

Before the 1929 season, the Yankees announced they would wear uniform numbers to help fans identify players. Ruth, batting third, was assigned number 3. The Yankees became the first team to use uniform numbers on both home and away uniforms.

January 7, 1930: Salary negotiations break down

On January 7, 1930, salary negotiations between the Yankees and Babe Ruth failed. Ruth rejected the Yankees' offers and demanded at least $85,000 for three years, leading to a negotiation standoff. Ruth's request was more than the President of the United States’ salary. A compromise was reached, with Ruth settling for two years at $80,000 per year.

1930: Ruth's performance and managerial aspirations

In 1930, Babe Ruth hit .359 with 49 home runs and 153 RBIs, pitching his first game in nine years and securing a complete game victory. However, the Athletics won their second consecutive pennant and World Series, with the Yankees finishing in third place. The manager Shawkey was fired, and Ruth sought the job but did not get it.

1931: Yankees improve, Ruth's performance

In 1931, the Yankees improved, but were no match for the Athletics. Ruth hit .373, with 46 home runs and 163 RBIs. He had 31 doubles, his most since 1924.

1932: Ruth's "called shot" home run jersey sold

In 1932, Babe Ruth wore a jersey when hitting his "called shot" home run in the World Series.

1932: World Series against the Cubs

In 1932, the Yankees played the World Series against the Cubs. Ruth faced hostile crowds in Chicago, but he hit a memorable home run in Game Three, which has become known as Babe Ruth's called shot. The Yankees ultimately won the game and the series.

1932: Not ready to leave the field.

In 1932, when Babe Ruth was mentioned as a contender for the Red Sox managerial position, he stated that he was not yet ready to leave the field as a baseball player.

1932: Yankees win pennant, Ruth's decreased effectiveness

In the 1932 season, the Yankees won the pennant with a 107-47 record. While Ruth hit .341 with 41 home runs and 137 RBIs, his effectiveness had decreased, and he was sidelined twice due to injuries.

July 6, 1933: First MLB All-Star Game

On July 6, 1933, Babe Ruth played right field in the first Major League Baseball All-Star Game and hit the first home run in the game's history, helping the AL win 4–2.

July 13, 1934: Ruth hits his 700th career home run

On July 13, 1934, Babe Ruth hit his 700th career home run. Despite this milestone, his performance was considered to be declining compared to his previous standards.

1934: Ruth campaigns to become the Yankees manager

In 1934, Babe Ruth openly campaigned to become the Yankees manager, however the Yankee job was never a serious possibility. By the end of the season, Ruth hinted that he would retire unless Ruppert named him manager of the Yankees.

1934: Declined Newark Bears managerial offer

In 1934, Babe Ruth was offered the managerial position of the Yankees' top minor-league team, the Newark Bears, but he declined after being advised against it by his wife and business manager. He also delayed meeting with the Tigers, who were considering him for player-manager, resulting in them hiring someone else.

1934: Ruth's hat from 1934 season

In the 1934 season, Babe Ruth wore a baseball hat that was later sold for $537 thousand in 2012.

February 26, 1935: Traded to the Boston Braves

On February 26, 1935, the Yankees traded Babe Ruth to the Boston Braves. He was announced as a team vice president and assistant manager to skipper Bill McKechnie, with the possibility of becoming co-owner and manager.

May 25, 1935: Last three home runs

On May 25, 1935, Babe Ruth played in the third game of the Pittsburgh series. He went 4-for-4, including three home runs. The final home run sailed out of the park over the right field upper deck–the first time anyone had hit a fair ball completely out of Forbes Field.

1937: No managerial offers

By the end of the 1937 season, Babe Ruth still had not received any managerial offers from major league teams, despite his hopes and qualifications.

1938: Hired as Dodgers first base coach

In 1938, Babe Ruth was hired by the Dodgers as a first base coach. His role was primarily to appear on the field in uniform and encourage base runners.

1943: Last appearance as a player at Yankee Stadium

In 1943, during World War II, Babe Ruth made his last appearance as a player at Yankee Stadium in an exhibition game for the Army-Navy Relief Fund.

1946: Rejected by the Yankees

In 1946, Babe Ruth made a final effort to gain a job in baseball by contacting new Yankees boss MacPhail, but he was sent a rejection letter.

1968: Special Baseball Records Committee Ruled Hit as Home Run

In 1968 the Special Baseball Records Committee unanimously ruled that, along with 36 other hits, hit by Ruth on July 8th, 1918 should be considered a home run.

1969: Special Baseball Records Committee Reversed Decision on Hit

In 1969 the Special Baseball Records Committee reversed its decision that, along with 36 other hits, hit by Ruth on July 8th, 1918 should be considered a home run. This decision was based on the perceived importance of preserving Ruth's home run total at 714.