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 whose MLB career spanned from 1914 to 1935. Initially a star left-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, he rose to iconic status as a slugging outfielder for the New York Yankees. Ruth is celebrated as one of the greatest sports heroes in American culture and widely considered the greatest baseball player ever. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936 as one of its inaugural members.

Sections (6)

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

March 7, 1914: First Appearance as Professional Ballplayer

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

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

On July 11, 1914, Babe Ruth arrived in Boston and reportedly met Helen Woodford, a 16-year-old waitress who later became his first wife. That same afternoon, he won his first game as a pitcher for the Red Sox.

July 30, 1914: Red Sox to Send Replacement to Grays

On July 30, 1914, Boston Red Sox owner Joseph Lannin, after purchasing the minor-league Providence Grays, announced that the Red Sox would send a replacement player to the Grays to appease fans upset about losing a star player. This replacement was intended to be Babe Ruth, but his departure was delayed due to a waiver claim by the Cincinnati Reds. After negotiations, Ruth was allowed to be sent to the minors for development.

August 18, 1914: Ruth Joins the Providence Grays

On August 18, 1914, Babe Ruth officially joined the Providence Grays of the International League. He was deeply influenced by manager "Wild Bill" Donovan, who taught him much about pitching. Ruth often pitched, winning four games in eight days.

March 1915: Ruth Reports to 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 a successful first season, he wasn't initially slated as a regular starter due to the presence of established left-handed pitchers on the team.

August 1915: Warhop Concludes Major League Career

In August 1915, Jack Warhop, the pitcher who gave up Babe Ruth's first major league home run, concluded an eight-season major league career.

1915: Red Sox Win World Series, Ruth's Hitting Impresses

In 1915, Babe Ruth finished the season with an 18-8 pitching record, batting .315 with four home runs. The Boston Red Sox won the American League pennant and subsequently the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. Ruth was used as a pinch hitter in Game Five, grounding out against Grover Cleveland Alexander. During the season, Ruth gained a reputation for hitting long home runs; one hit at Sportsman's Park broke a window of a Chevrolet dealership on Grand Avenue.

1915: Yankees wearing pinstripes

The Yankees started wearing pinstripes uniforms since 1915.

1916: Reputation as an outstanding pitcher

By 1916, Babe Ruth had established himself as an exceptional pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, occasionally hitting long home runs, which was rare during the dead-ball era.

1916: Ruth's 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 meetings. Ruth finished the season with a 23-12 record, a 1.75 ERA, and nine shutouts. The Red Sox won the pennant and World Series, with Ruth winning Game 2 in 14 innings. This was the longest World Series game until 2005, and Ruth's pitching performance remains the longest postseason complete game victory.

1916: Carrigan Retires, Frazee Buys Red Sox

In 1916, after the season, Red Sox player and manager Carrigan retired to become a businessman, and the team was sold to a group led by Harry Frazee, a New York theatrical promoter. Jack Barry was hired as manager.

1917: Ruth Leads League in Complete Games

In 1917, Babe Ruth led the league with 35 complete games, going 24-13 with a 2.01 ERA and six shutouts. On June 23, Ruth was ejected from a game against Washington after arguing with the umpire and punching him, resulting in a suspension and fine. Ernie Shore relieved Ruth and retired all 26 batters, a feat later amended to a combined no-hitter in 1991.

1918: Ruth Secures Home Run Title

During the war-shortened 1918 season, Babe Ruth primarily played as an outfielder and hit .300 with 11 home runs, securing a share of the major league home run title with Tilly Walker. He also pitched, recording a 13-7 record with a 2.22 ERA.

1918: Yankees Aggressively Acquire Players

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

1918: Red Sox Win World Series

In 1918, the Boston Red Sox won their third pennant in four years and faced the Chicago Cubs in the World Series. Babe Ruth pitched and won Game One with a 1-0 shutout. Despite an injured hand, he also won Game Four, contributing with a triple, and the Red Sox secured the series victory. Ruth's 29+2⁄3 consecutive scoreless innings set a World Series record that stood until 1961.

March 1919: Ruth Accepts Three-Year Contract

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

December 26, 1919: Frazee Sells Ruth's Contract to the Yankees

On December 26, 1919, Harry Frazee, owner of the Boston Red Sox, sold Babe Ruth's contract to the New York Yankees, a move that would significantly alter the fortunes of both franchises.

1919: Ruth Concentrates on Hitting

During the 1919 season, Babe Ruth focused more on hitting, playing as a pitcher in only 17 of his 130 games, with a 9-5 record. As the Red Sox fell out of contention, manager Barrow allowed Ruth to concentrate on his hitting to draw crowds, resulting in a remarkable stretch of home runs that captivated the public.

1919: Yankees Aggressively Acquire Players

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

January 6, 1920: Sale of Ruth Announced

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

1920: First Note Due

As part of the deal for Babe Ruth, a $25,000 note was due on November 1, 1920, from Frazee to Ruppert.

1920: Barrow Hired as Yankees Business Manager

Early in the 1920 season, Harry Sparrow died, so Ruppert and Huston hired Barrow to replace him as Yankees business manager. Barrow then acquired catcher Wally Schang and pitcher Waite Hoyt.

1920: Impact of Home Runs on Baseball

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.

1921: Ruth's home run pace

As of September 6, 1927, Ruth was still several games off his 1921 pace, with 57 home runs.

1921: Second Note Due

As part of the deal for Babe Ruth, a $25,000 note was due on November 1, 1921, from Frazee to Ruppert.

1921: Ruth's Contract Renegotiation Demands

Before the 1919 season, Babe Ruth had a contract paying $10,000 per year through 1921. Ruth demanded that his salary be doubled, or he would sit out the season.

March 4, 1922: Ruth Signs New Contract

On March 4, 1922, Babe Ruth signed a new three-year contract for $52,000 a year, equivalent to $980,000 in 2024, more than double the largest sum ever paid to a ballplayer up to that point, representing 40% of the team's player payroll.

November 11, 1922: Signing of Morals Clause

On November 11, 1922, Babe Ruth and Ruppert signed a contract addendum containing a morals clause, requiring Ruth to abstain from intoxicating liquors and adhere to a curfew of 1:00 a.m. during the training and playing season, in addition to refraining from actions that would compromise his baseball performance.

1922: Third Note Due

As part of the deal for Babe Ruth, a $25,000 note was due on November 1, 1922, from Frazee to Ruppert.

1922: Giants Refuse to Renew Yankees' Lease

In 1922, Giants owner Charles Stoneham said the Yankees' lease at the Polo Grounds, expiring after that season, would not be renewed.

1922: Ruth's 1922 Season

In 1922, despite his suspension, Ruth was named the Yankees' on-field captain. He was later stripped of the captaincy after an incident with an umpire and a heckler. He appeared in 110 games, batted .315, with 35 home runs. In the World Series, Ruth struggled, and the Yankees lost to the Giants.

April 18, 1923: Yankee Stadium Home Opener

On April 18, 1923, Yankee Stadium was completed, and Babe Ruth hit the first home run in what was quickly dubbed "the House that Ruth Built."

1923: Huston bought out

In 1923, Ruppert bought out Huston.

1923: Yankees win AL pennant and World Series

In 1923, the Yankees dominated, securing the AL pennant by a significant margin of 17 games. Babe Ruth achieved a career-high .393 batting average and tied for the most home runs in the major leagues with 41. Ruth also hit a career-high 45 doubles. The Yankees faced the Giants in the World Series for the third consecutive year, with Ruth batting .368 and hitting three home runs, leading the Yankees to their first World Series championship in their new stadium.

1924: Ruth Wins AL Batting Title

In 1924, despite injury challenges, Babe Ruth batted .378, securing his only AL batting title, and leading the league with 46 home runs. The Yankees, however, were defeated by the Senators by two games.

1924: Ruth's Doubles

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

1926: Cadillac Gift to Brother Matthias

In 1926, Babe Ruth demonstrated his generosity by spending $5,000 to buy Brother Matthias, his mentor from St. Mary's, a Cadillac, and later replaced it after it was destroyed in an accident.

1926: Yankees Win Pennant, World Series Loss

In 1926, Babe Ruth returned to form, batting .372 with 47 home runs. The Yankees won the pennant but lost the World Series to the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games. Ruth hit four home runs during the series but was thrown out attempting to steal second base in the final game.

1927: Stared out at Tom Zachary

In 1927 Babe Ruth stared out at Tom Zachary, securing his place in sports history.

1927: Yankees' Historic Season and Ruth's Home Run Record

In 1927, the New York Yankees, known as Murderers' Row, had a historic season, winning a then-AL-record 110 games and the AL pennant. Babe Ruth broke his own single-season home run record, hitting 60 home runs. The Yankees swept the Pittsburgh Pirates in the World Series.

1928: Yankees Clinch Pennant and Win World Series

In 1928, the Yankees overcame injuries and inconsistent play to clinch the pennant. Babe Ruth hit 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: Ruth's best in his years after 1928

In 1930, Ruth hit .359 with 49 home runs (his best in his years after 1928) and 153 RBIs, and pitched his first game in nine years, a complete game victory.

1929: Yankees Adopt Uniform Numbers

In 1929, the Yankees began wearing uniform numbers to improve fan identification. Babe Ruth, batting third, was assigned number 3.

1930: Ruth's Performance and Yankees' Season

In 1930, Babe Ruth hit .359 with 49 home runs and pitched a complete game victory. However, the Yankees finished third, and manager Shawkey was replaced with Joe McCarthy.

1931: Yankees Improved Season

In 1931, the Yankees improved but were still behind the Athletics. Ruth hit .373 with 46 home runs.

1932: Consideration for Red Sox Managerial Position

In 1932, Babe Ruth was considered as a potential candidate for the Red Sox managerial position. However, Ruth stated that he was not yet ready to leave the field as a player.

1932: 1932 World Series against the Cubs

In 1932, the Yankees played the World Series against the Cubs, with tension high due to a dispute over World Series shares. During Game Three in Chicago, amidst hostile crowds, Babe Ruth seemingly pointed to center field before hitting a home run off Charlie Root, an event that became known as Babe Ruth's "called shot". The Yankees won the game and clinched the series the following day.

1932: Yankees win the pennant

In 1932, the Yankees won the pennant with a 107-47 record. Ruth hit .341 with 41 home runs, but 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 at Comiskey Park in Chicago. He hit the first home run in All-Star Game history against Bill Hallahan in the third inning, helping the American League win the game 4–2.

July 13, 1934: 700th Career Home Run

On July 13, 1934, Babe Ruth hit his 700th career home run. Despite this milestone, it was evident that his physical abilities were declining as he played his last full season with the Yankees.

1934: Last Season with the Yankees

1934 marked Babe Ruth's last season with the New York Yankees before he retired.

1934: Declined Newark Bears Management Position

In 1934, just before the season, Babe Ruth declined an offer from Ruppert to manage the Yankees' top minor-league team, the Newark Bears, due to the advice of his wife, Claire, and business manager, Christy Walsh.

1934: Desire to Manage the Yankees

Throughout the 1934 season, Babe Ruth openly expressed his desire to manage the Yankees. However, the Yankees' owner continued to support the current manager. By the end of the season, Ruth hinted at retirement if he wasn't named manager.

February 26, 1935: Trade to the Boston Braves

On February 26, 1935, the Yankees traded Babe Ruth to the Boston Braves. Along with playing, Ruth was to become a team vice president, consulted on club transactions, and assistant manager. There were also promises of profit sharing and potential co-ownership.

May 25, 1935: Final Game with Three Home Runs

On May 25, 1935, in a game against Pittsburgh, Babe Ruth went 4-for-4, including three home runs, but the Braves lost 11–7. The last home run was his final career home run, sailing out of Forbes Field. Ruth retired shortly after.

1937: Lack of Managerial Offers

By the end of the 1937 season, Babe Ruth still had not received any managerial offers. He was not considered for the Cleveland Indians managerial position, which was the only one available between Ruth's retirement and 1937 season.

1938: Hired as First Base Coach for Dodgers

In 1938, Babe Ruth was hired as the first base coach for the Brooklyn Dodgers. His role was primarily ceremonial, with limited responsibilities, and he was not considered for the manager's job.

1946: Final Attempt for a Job in Baseball

In 1946, Babe Ruth made a final effort to gain a job in baseball by contacting the new Yankees boss, but he was ultimately rejected.

1947: Experimental Cancer Treatment

In 1947, Babe Ruth underwent experimental cancer treatment with pterolyl triglutamate (Teropterin) and showed dramatic improvement during the summer. He also did promotional work for the Ford Motor Company on American Legion Baseball.