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 celebrated American baseball player who played in MLB from 1914 to 1935. Initially a star left-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, he gained legendary status as a slugging outfielder for the New York Yankees. Widely regarded as one of the greatest sports heroes and baseball players ever, Ruth revolutionized the game with his power hitting and charismatic personality. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936 as one of its first members, solidifying his place in baseball history.

Sections (6)

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

1913: Played Weekend Games

In 1913, at the age of 18, Babe Ruth was permitted to leave St. Mary's to participate in weekend baseball games on teams from the community. During this time, he garnered attention in newspaper articles for his pitching abilities and home run hitting.

March 7, 1914: First Appearance as a Professional Ballplayer

On March 7, 1914, Babe Ruth made his debut as a professional ballplayer in an inter-squad game. He played shortstop and pitched, contributing to a 15-9 victory and hitting a home run.

July 11, 1914: Arrival in Boston and First Game with the Red Sox

On July 11, 1914, Babe Ruth arrived in Boston and later won his first game as a pitcher for the Red Sox with a score of 4-3 against the Cleveland Naps. During that morning, he met Helen Woodford, who would become his first wife.

1914: Signed to Minor League then Sold to Red Sox

In 1914, Babe Ruth was signed to play Minor League baseball for the Baltimore Orioles. However, he was soon sold to the Boston Red Sox, marking the beginning of his professional baseball career.

1920: Yankees Jersey Sold for Millions

In 1920, Babe Ruth's Yankees jersey was made and later sold for $4.4 million in 2012 (equivalent to $6.05 million in 2024), becoming one of the most expensive pieces of sports memorabilia ever sold.

1920: Shift in Baseball Strategy

Prior to 1920, home runs were unusual, and managers tried to win games by getting a runner on base and bringing him around to score through such means as the stolen base, the bunt, and the hit and run. After the 1920 season, Ruth's breakout performance that season and the response in excitement and attendance, settled the American public interest for the home run.

November 11, 1922: Morals Clause Signed

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

1923: 25th Anniversary Celebrations

Babe Ruth and his surviving teammates were introduced on June 13, 1948, when Ruth visited Yankee Stadium for the final time in his life to celebrate the 25th-anniversary of "The House that Ruth Built" from 1923. He used a bat as a cane.

1923: Yankees win AL pennant and World Series

In 1923, the Yankees, led by Babe Ruth, dominated the season, winning the AL pennant by 17 games. Ruth achieved a career-high .393 batting average and tied for the most home runs in the major leagues with 41. The Yankees faced the Giants in the World Series for the third consecutive year, with Ruth batting .368, hitting three home runs, and leading the Yankees to their first World Series championship, four games to two.

1924: Ruth wins AL Batting Title

In 1924, the Yankees battled the Senators due to injuries, ultimately losing the pennant by two games. Despite the team's struggles, Ruth hit .378, winning his only AL batting title, and led the league with 46 home runs.

1926: Gifted Brother Matthias a Cadillac

In 1926, Babe Ruth gifted Brother Matthias, his mentor from St. Mary's, a Cadillac as a gesture of gratitude. He later replaced it after the car was destroyed in an accident.

1926: Yankees win the AL pennant, Ruth hits three home runs in World Series game

In 1926, Ruth returned to form, batting .372 with 47 home runs and 146 RBIs, leading the Yankees to win the AL pennant. In Game Four of the World Series, Ruth hit three home runs, the first time this had been done in a World Series game. However, the Yankees lost the series to the St. Louis Cardinals.

1927: A Certain September Afternoon

In 1927, Babe Ruth stared out at Tom Zachary on a certain September afternoon, an image that remains recognizable today.

1927: Yankees win AL Pennant, Ruth sets single-season home run record

In 1927, the New York Yankees, known as Murderers' Row, clinched first place on Labor Day, won a then-AL-record 110 games, and won the AL pennant by 19 games. Babe Ruth broke his own single-season home run record with his 60th homer on September 30 against Tom Zachary. The Yankees swept the Pittsburgh Pirates in the World Series.

1928: Yankees win World Series

In 1928, the Yankees started well but faced challenges due to injuries and inconsistent play. Despite Ruth's slump in the latter part of the season, he ended with 54 home runs. The Yankees swept the Cardinals in four games in the World Series, with Ruth batting .625 and hitting three home runs in Game Four.

January 7, 1930: Salary negotiations between Yankees and Ruth break down

On January 7, 1930, salary negotiations between the Yankees and Babe Ruth broke down. Ruth demanded at least $85,000 and three years, eventually settling for two years at $80,000 per year, more than 2.4 times greater than the next-highest salary that season.

1930: Ruth pitches a complete game victory

In 1930, Babe Ruth hit .359 with 49 home runs and 153 RBIs, and pitched his first game in nine years, a complete game victory. The Athletics won their second consecutive pennant and World Series, while the Yankees finished in third place.

1931: Ruth hits .373 with 46 home runs and 163 RBIs

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

1932: "Called Shot" Jersey Sale

In 1932, Babe Ruth wore the jersey that later sold in 2024 for a record $24 million after hitting his "called shot" home run in the World Series.

1932: 1932 World Series

In 1932, the Yankees faced the Cubs in the World Series, marked by animosity stemming from the Cubs awarding only half a World Series share to Mark Koenig. Games at Yankee Stadium were won by the home team. Ruth faced hostile crowds in Chicago, where he hit a three-run home run in Game Three off Charlie Root. In the fifth inning, after taunts from the crowd, Ruth seemingly pointed to center field and then hit a home run over the center field fence. The Yankees won Game Three and clinched the series the next day.

1932: Managerial Aspirations

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. This indicates his early aspirations to become a manager, although he was not yet prepared to retire as a player.

1932: Yankees win the pennant

In the 1932 season, the Yankees went 107–47 and won the pennant. Babe Ruth's effectiveness had decreased somewhat, but he still hit .341 with 41 home runs and 137 RBIs. He was sidelined twice because of 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 at Comiskey Park in Chicago. He hit the first home run in All-Star Game history, a two-run blast against Bill Hallahan in the third inning, helping the American League win the game 4–2.

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

On July 13, 1934, Babe Ruth hit his 700th career home run. Despite his declining physical condition, he still managed a .288 batting average with 22 home runs during the season. He was also selected to the AL All-Star team for the second consecutive year.

1934: Desire to Manage the Yankees

Early in the 1934 season, Babe Ruth openly expressed his desire to manage the Yankees. However, the job was not a serious possibility as Ruppert supported McCarthy. By the end of the season, Ruth hinted he would retire if not named Yankees manager.

1934: Declined Newark Bears Managerial Offer

In 1934, just before the season, Babe Ruth was offered the managerial position of the Yankees' top minor-league team, the Newark Bears. However, he declined the offer due to the advice of his wife, Claire, and his business manager, Christy Walsh.

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, consultant on club transactions, and assistant manager to Bill McKechnie. Fuchs promised Ruth a share in the Braves' profits and the possibility of becoming co-owner and succeeding McKechnie as manager.

May 25, 1935: Final Great Performance

On May 25, 1935, Babe Ruth went 4-for-4 with three home runs against the Pittsburgh Pirates, including two off Guy Bush. The last home run was the first ball hit completely out of Forbes Field. He retired on June 2 after an argument with Fuchs.

1936: Potential Managerial Role

In 1936, there was a possibility of Ruth succeeding McKechnie as manager of the Braves. This was part of the agreement when he was traded to the Braves, as promised by Judge Emil Fuchs, the owner.

1938: First Base Coach for the Dodgers

In 1938, Babe Ruth was hired as the first base coach for the Brooklyn Dodgers. His duties were primarily to appear in uniform and encourage base runners, with no real coaching responsibilities. He sought to return as an active player in a pinch-hitting role, but was denied.