Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Babe Ruth

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

Babe Ruth, an American professional baseball player (1914-1935), is widely considered the greatest baseball player ever. Initially a star left-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, he achieved legendary status as a slugging outfielder for the New York Yankees. Known as "the Bambino" and "the Sultan of Swat," Ruth revolutionized baseball with his powerful hitting. He was among the first five players inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936, cementing his place as an American sports icon.

Sections (6)

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

1913: Played Weekend Games on Community Teams

In 1913, at the age of 18, Babe Ruth was allowed to leave St. Mary's to play weekend games on community teams. He was noted in newspaper articles for both his pitching and home run abilities.

March 7, 1914: First Appearance as Professional Ballplayer

On March 7, 1914, Babe Ruth made his first appearance as a professional ballplayer in an inter-squad game. He played shortstop, pitched the last two innings, and hit a long home run.

July 11, 1914: Arrival in Boston and Meeting Helen Woodford

On July 11, 1914, Babe Ruth arrived in Boston and met Helen Woodford, who would become his first wife. He also won his first game as a pitcher for the Red Sox that afternoon, defeating the Cleveland Naps 4-3.

July 30, 1914: Purchase of Providence Grays

On July 30, 1914, Boston Red Sox owner Joseph Lannin purchased the minor-league Providence Grays. Initially, Babe Ruth's departure for Providence was delayed due to a waiver claim by the Cincinnati Reds.

August 18, 1914: Ruth joined the Grays

On August 18, 1914, Babe Ruth joined the Grays baseball team.

1914: Signed to Minor League and Sold to Red Sox

In 1914, Babe Ruth was signed to play Minor League baseball for the Baltimore Orioles but was soon sold to the Boston Red Sox, starting his professional baseball career.

1914: Signed with Baltimore Orioles

In early 1914, Babe Ruth signed a professional baseball contract with Jack Dunn, who owned and managed the minor-league Baltimore Orioles, an International League team. There are varying accounts of how Dunn came to sign Ruth.

March 1915: Spring Training

In March 1915, Babe Ruth reported to Hot Springs, Arkansas, for his first major league spring training with the Red Sox.

August 1915: Jack Warhop's Career Conclusion

In August 1915, pitcher Jack Warhop concluded his major league career. He is noted for being the first major league pitcher to give up a home run to Babe Ruth.

1916: Reputation as an Outstanding Pitcher

By 1916, Babe Ruth had built a reputation as an outstanding pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. He also hit long home runs, which was unusual for the dead-ball era.

1916: Pitching Duels with Walter Johnson

In 1916, Babe Ruth engaged in repeated pitching duels with Washington Senators' ace Walter Johnson, winning four of their five meetings. He went 23–12 for the season with a 1.75 ERA and nine shutouts. The Red Sox won the pennant and World Series.

1916: Carrigan Retired as Manager

In 1916, Carrigan retired as player and manager, and the Red Sox organization was sold to a group headed by Harry Frazee. Jack Barry was hired as manager.

1917: Season Summary

In 1917, Babe Ruth led the league with 35 complete games, finishing 24–13 with a 2.01 ERA and six shutouts. He was also suspended for ten days and fined $100 for punching an umpire.

1918: Season Summary

In 1918, Babe Ruth primarily played as an outfielder due to the war-shortened season. He hit .300 with 11 home runs, tying for the major league home run title. He was also a pitcher with a 13–7 record and a 2.22 ERA.

1918: Yankees player purchases

In 1918, Ruppert and Huston aggressively purchased and traded for players to build a winning team.

1918: Red Sox Secured Title

In 1918, the Red Sox secured the title due to Frazee's willingness to spend for players, resulting in a championship win.

1918: World Series Victory

In 1918, the Red Sox won the World Series against the Chicago Cubs. Babe Ruth won Game One and contributed to the Game Four win, marking his last World Series pitching victory.

March 1919: Ruth's Contract

In March 1919, Babe Ruth accepted a three-year contract for a total of $27,000.

December 26, 1919: Ruth Sold to Yankees

On December 26, 1919, Harry Frazee sold Babe Ruth's contract to the New York Yankees.

1919: Broke MLB Single-Season Home Run Record

In 1919, Babe Ruth broke the MLB single-season home run record with 29 home runs, showcasing his talent as an outfielder.

1919: Babe Ruth Pitching Innings

In 1919, Babe Ruth pitched 133 innings that season

1919: Ruth's Home Run Season

In 1919, Babe Ruth transitioned from pitching to focusing on hitting, leading to an unprecedented spell of home runs. Despite this, the Red Sox finished sixth.

1919: Yankees player purchases

In 1919, Ruppert and Huston aggressively purchased and traded for players to build a winning team.

January 6, 1920: Babe Ruth's sale announced

On January 6, 1920, the deal to sell Babe Ruth was announced. As part of the transaction, Ruth agreed to fulfill the remaining two years on his contract but was given a $20,000 bonus, payable over two seasons. Reaction in Boston was mixed.

1920: Barrow hired as Yankees business manager

In 1920, Barrow was hired as the Yankees' business manager.

1920: Sale of Babe Ruth agreement

In 1920, Frazee sold the rights to Babe Ruth for $100,000, which also involved a $350,000 loan from Ruppert to Frazee, secured by a mortgage on Fenway Park.

1920: Ruth's breakout performance alters baseball play

Prior to 1920, home runs were unusual in baseball. In 1920, Babe Ruth had a breakout performance that season. After the 1920 season, Ruth's performance settled, for all time to come, that the American public is nuttier over the Home Run than the Clever Fielding or the Hitless Pitching.

1921: Ruth's home run pace

As of September 6, 1927, Ruth was still several games off his 1921 pace in terms of home runs.

1921: Sale of Babe Ruth agreement

In 1921, Frazee sold the rights to Babe Ruth for $100,000, which also involved a $350,000 loan from Ruppert to Frazee, secured by a mortgage on Fenway Park.

1921: Ruth's contract negotiations

In 1921, Ruth wanted to renegotiate his contract, which was signed before the 1919 season for $10,000 per year through 1921. He demanded that his salary be doubled, or he would sit out the season.

March 4, 1922: Ruth signs new contract

On March 4, 1922, Ruth signed a new three-year contract for $52,000 a year.

November 11, 1922: Ruth and Ruppert sign contract addendum with morals clause

On November 11, 1922, Babe Ruth and Yankees co-owner Ruppert signed a contract addendum that included a morals clause. This required Ruth to abstain from alcohol and adhere to a 1:00 a.m. curfew during the baseball season, and avoid any behavior that would compromise his ability to play.

1922: Sale of Babe Ruth agreement

In 1922, Frazee sold the rights to Babe Ruth for $100,000, which also involved a $350,000 loan from Ruppert to Frazee, secured by a mortgage on Fenway Park.

1922: Ruth's suspension and captaincy loss

In 1922, Ruth was suspended, fined, and stripped of his position as team captain after an incident with an umpire and a heckler. Despite appearing in 110 games, batting .315 with 35 home runs, the season was considered a disappointment.

April 18, 1923: Yankee Stadium Opens

On April 18, 1923, Yankee Stadium was completed in time for the home opener, with Ruth hitting the first home run.

1924: Doubles Record

In 1931, Ruth had 31 doubles, his most since 1924.

1925: Offseason workout and team rebuilding

During the offseason of 1925-26, Babe Ruth worked out at Artie McGovern's gym to get back into shape. The Yankees' Barrow and Huggins rebuilt the team with young players like Tony Lazzeri and Lou Gehrig.

1926: Normal Production and World Series Loss

In 1926, Babe Ruth batted .372 with 47 home runs and 146 RBIs, leading the Yankees to win the pennant. In Game Four of the World Series, Ruth hit three home runs, a first in World Series history. However, the Yankees lost the series to the St. Louis Cardinals in Game Seven, with Ruth getting thrown out while attempting to steal second base.

1926: Gift to Brother Matthias

In 1926, Babe Ruth donated money and his presence at fundraisers, and spent $5,000 to buy Brother Matthias a Cadillac - later replacing it when it was destroyed in an accident.

1927: Home Run Against Tom Zachary

In 1927, Babe Ruth faced Tom Zachary on a September afternoon.

1927: 60 Home Runs in a Season

In 1927, as part of the Yankees' "Murderers' Row" lineup, Babe Ruth hit 60 home runs, extending his own MLB single-season record. This feat occurred during his time with the New York Yankees.

1927: Record-Breaking Season and World Series Victory

In 1927, the New York Yankees, known as Murderers' Row, dominated the season, winning a then-AL-record 110 games. Babe Ruth pursued his single-season home run record, ultimately hitting his 60th homer on September 30th off Tom Zachary. The Yankees swept the Pittsburgh Pirates in the World Series.

1928: Inconsistent Performance and World Series Victory

In 1928, the Yankees experienced injuries and inconsistent play, but managed to clinch the pennant. Babe Ruth started strong but slumped later in the season, ending 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.

1928: Home runs after 1928

In 1930, Ruth had 49 home runs, his best in his years after 1928.

January 7, 1930: Salary Negotiations Breakdown

On January 7, 1930, salary negotiations between Babe Ruth and the Yankees broke down after Ruth rejected the Yankees' offers and demanded at least $85,000 for three years.

1930: Solid Performance and Coaching Aspirations

In 1930, Babe Ruth hit .359 with 49 home runs and 153 RBIs and pitched his first game in nine years. The Yankees finished third, and Ruth unsuccessfully sought the manager job after Shawkey was fired.

1931: Improved Performance but No Championship

In 1931, the Yankees improved, but the Athletics won 107 games, with the Yankees falling short. Ruth hit .373 with 46 home runs and 163 RBIs.

1932: World Series Called Shot

In the 1932 World Series against the Cubs, marked by animosity and hostile crowds, Babe Ruth allegedly made a "called shot" by gesturing towards center field before hitting a home run off Charlie Root in Game Three. The Yankees won the game and clinched the series the following day.

1932: Pennant Win and Injury Sidelines

In the 1932 season, the Yankees had a 107–47 record and won the pennant. Although Ruth's effectiveness had decreased somewhat, he still hit .341 with 41 home runs and 137 RBIs, but was sidelined twice because of injuries during the season.

July 6, 1933: Played in first MLB All-Star Game, hit first home run

On July 6, 1933, Babe Ruth played right field in the first Major League Baseball All-Star Game at Comiskey Park in Chicago. He hit the first home run in All-Star Game history, a two-run shot in the third inning against Bill Hallahan, contributing to the American League's 4-2 victory.

1933: Braves finished fourth

In 1933, the Boston Braves enjoyed modest recent success, finishing fourth in the National League.

July 13, 1934: Hit 700th career home run

On July 13, 1934, Babe Ruth hit his 700th career home run while playing his last full season with the Yankees. Despite a .288 batting average and 22 home runs, these numbers were considered "merely mortal" compared to his previous standards.

1934: Last Season with Yankees

1934 marked Babe Ruth's last season with the New York Yankees, after which he briefly played for the Boston Braves before retiring.

1934: Braves Owner Judge Emil Fuchs expressed interest

In 1934, Boston Braves owner Judge Emil Fuchs showed interest in Babe Ruth as a gate attraction because the team had low performance. Ruth made no secret of his desire to manage the Yankees.

February 26, 1935: Traded to the Boston Braves

On February 26, 1935, the Yankees traded Babe Ruth to the Boston Braves, where he was to become a team vice president, be consulted on club transactions, and serve as assistant manager to Bill McKechnie. He was also promised a share in the Braves' profits and the possibility of becoming co-owner, with a potential to succeed McKechnie as manager.