Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Babe Ruth

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

George Herman "Babe" Ruth, an iconic American baseball player, played 22 MLB seasons (1914-1935). Initially a star left-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, he gained legendary status as a slugging outfielder for the New York Yankees. Known as "the Bambino" and "the Sultan of Swat," Ruth is celebrated as a sports hero and arguably the greatest baseball player ever. He was among the first five elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936.

Sections (6)

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

1913: Playing Weekend Games

In 1913, at age 18, Babe Ruth was allowed to leave St. Mary's premises to play weekend baseball games on community teams, gaining recognition for his pitching and hitting abilities and was mentioned in several newspaper articles.

March 7, 1914: First Appearance as a Professional Ballplayer

On March 7, 1914, Babe Ruth made his first appearance as a professional ballplayer in an inter-squad game, playing shortstop and pitching the last two innings, hitting a home run, and contributing to a 15–9 victory.

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

On July 11, 1914, Babe Ruth arrived in Boston and won his first game as a pitcher for the Red Sox, defeating the Cleveland Naps 4–3. It is also said he met his future wife Helen Woodford that morning.

July 30, 1914: Loaned to Providence Grays

On July 30, 1914, Boston Red Sox owner Joseph Lannin purchased the minor-league Providence Grays and arranged to send Babe Ruth there to develop as a player and help the Grays win the International League pennant.

August 18, 1914: Ruth Joins the Grays

On August 18, 1914, Babe Ruth joined the Grays baseball team. This marked a significant step in his early career.

1914: Signing with Baltimore Orioles and Sale to Red Sox

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

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 Red Sox.

August 1915: Jack Warhop's Career Conclusion

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

1915: Red Sox win AL Pennant; Ruth's Success

In 1915, Babe Ruth finished the season with an 18-8 record as a pitcher and batted .315 with four home runs. The Red Sox won the AL pennant, and Ruth was used as a pinch hitter in the World Series.

1916: Carrigan Retires; Lannin Sells Team

After the 1916 season, Carrigan retired as player and manager, and Lannin sold the Red Sox to a group led by Harry Frazee.

1916: Ruth's Reputation as a Pitcher

By 1916, Babe Ruth had established a reputation as an outstanding pitcher who occasionally hit long home runs, which was an uncommon feat during the dead-ball era.

1916: Ruth's Pitching Duels and World Series Victory

In 1916, Babe Ruth engaged in pitching duels with Walter Johnson, winning four out of five matchups. Ruth went 23-12 with a 1.75 ERA and nine shutouts. The Red Sox won the World Series, with Ruth winning Game 2 in 14 innings.

1917: Ruth's Suspension and Shore's Combined No-Hitter

In 1917, Babe Ruth was ejected from a game on June 23 and suspended for punching an umpire. Ernie Shore relieved him and pitched a combined no-hitter. Ruth went 24-13 with a 2.01 ERA for the season.

1918: Ruth Ties Career Home Run Record

In 1918, Babe Ruth tied his career-best record of 11 home runs.

1918: Red Sox Secure Title

In 1918, the Red Sox secured the title due to Frazee's willingness to spend on players.

1918: Red Sox Win World Series

In 1918, the Red Sox won the World Series against the Chicago Cubs. Babe Ruth pitched and won Game One and contributed to the Game Four victory. Ruth's streak of 29+2⁄3 consecutive scoreless innings in the World Series set a record that would last for over 40 years.

1918: Ruth Shares Home Run Title

In the war-shortened 1918 season, Babe Ruth hit .300 with 11 home runs, tying him for the major league home run title with Tilly Walker. He also had a 13-7 pitching record.

March 1919: Ruth Agrees to Contract

In March 1919, Babe Ruth was reported to have accepted a three-year contract for $27,000.

December 26, 1919: Ruth Sold to the Yankees

On December 26, 1919, Harry Frazee sold Babe Ruth's contract to the New York Yankees, marking a significant shift in Ruth's career.

1919: Ruth's Home Run Focus

During the 1919 season, Babe Ruth primarily focused on hitting, playing only 17 games as a pitcher. His home run hitting drew significant public and press attention.

January 6, 1920: Ruth's Sale to Yankees Announced

On January 6, 1920, the deal selling Babe Ruth to the Yankees was announced. Ruth agreed to a new contract that fulfilled the remaining two years with a $20,000 bonus. Reaction in Boston was mixed.

1920: Ruth's Impact on Baseball

After the 1920 season, Ruth's breakout performance led to home runs becoming more popular than traditional "inside baseball" tactics. This shift occurred as fans favored home runs over clever fielding or hitless pitching, influencing how baseball was played and managed.

1920: Babe Ruth Rights Sold

In 1920, Frazee sold the rights to Babe Ruth for $100,000, which was the largest sum ever paid for a baseball player. The deal also involved a $350,000 loan from Ruppert to Frazee, secured by a mortgage on Fenway Park.

1921: Ruth's Contract Renegotiation

In 1921, Babe Ruth, aware of his popularity, demanded his salary be doubled from $10,000 per year or he would sit out the season.

1921: Ruth's 1921 Pace

The text mentions Ruth's 1921 pace when talking about his pursuit of his own single-season home run record.

March 4, 1922: Ruth Signs New Contract

On March 4, 1922, Babe Ruth signed a new three-year contract for $52,000 a year, which was more than two times the largest sum ever paid to a ballplayer up to that point.

November 11, 1922: Ruth Signs Morals Clause

On November 11, 1922, Babe Ruth and Ruppert signed a contract addendum with a morals clause. This agreement stipulated that Ruth would abstain from intoxicating liquors and adhere to a 1:00 a.m. curfew during the training and playing season, unless he had the manager's permission.

April 18, 1923: Opening of Yankee Stadium

On April 18, 1923, Yankee Stadium was completed and Babe Ruth hit the first home run in the new ballpark.

1924: Ruth's doubles in 1924

In 1924, Ruth had 31 doubles.

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. Meanwhile, Barrow and Huggins rebuilt the Yankees team, adding young players like Tony Lazzeri and Lou Gehrig.

1926: Cadillac Gift to Brother Matthias

In 1926, Babe Ruth donated $5,000 to buy Brother Matthias a Cadillac and subsequently replaced it when it was destroyed in an accident, showing his generosity to St. Mary's.

1926: Return to Normal Production and World Series

In 1926, Babe Ruth had a productive year, batting .372 with 47 home runs and 146 RBIs. The Yankees won the pennant and played in the World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Ruth hit three home runs in Game Four, the first time this was ever done in a World Series game. Despite Ruth's efforts, the Yankees lost the series in seven games.

1927: Record-Breaking Season

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

1927: Babe Ruth Stares Out at Tom Zachary

In 1927, Babe Ruth faced Tom Zachary on a September afternoon, a moment that solidified his image as an American icon. His recognizable face and baseball prowess have made him a symbol of American success and the embodiment of the sport's appeal, representing warm summer nights, peanuts, beer, and the potential for a long ball.

1928: Yankees' Pennant and World Series Win

In 1928, the Yankees clinched the pennant after a pivotal series against the Philadelphia Athletics. Babe Ruth's performance mirrored the team's, with a strong start followed by a slump. Despite this, he ended the season with 54 home runs, and the Yankees swept the Cardinals in the World Series.

1928: Best years after 1928

Ruth's 49 home runs in 1930 are his best years after 1928.

1929: Yankees' Season and Huggins' Death

In 1929, the Yankees started well but were surpassed by the Athletics. Late in the year, manager Huggins died of erysipelas, a bacterial skin infection, on September 25. The Yankees finished second, 18 games behind the Athletics. Ruth hit .345 with 46 home runs and 154 RBIs.

January 7, 1930: Salary Negotiations Breakdown

On January 7, 1930, salary negotiations between Babe Ruth and the Yankees broke down. Ruth rejected the Yankees' offer and demanded $85,000 for three years. A compromise was reached two months later, with Ruth settling for $80,000 per year.

1930: Ruth's Performance and Yankees' Season

In 1930, Babe Ruth hit .359 with 49 home runs and 153 RBIs. He also pitched his first game in nine years, securing a complete game victory. The Yankees finished third, as the Athletics won their second consecutive pennant and World Series. At the end of the 1930 season, Shawkey was fired.

1931: Improved Team Performance

In 1931, the Yankees improved but still trailed the Athletics, who won 107 games. Ruth hit .373 with 46 home runs and 163 RBIs, also hitting 31 doubles.

1932: Expressed desire to manage

In 1932, Babe Ruth was mentioned as a possible contender for the Red Sox managerial position, but he stated that he was not yet ready to leave the field, as he still desired to play.

1932: World Series Against the Cubs and the Called Shot

In 1932, the Yankees faced the Cubs in the World Series, marked by animosity. During Game Three in Chicago, amidst hostile crowds, Babe Ruth allegedly made his famous "called shot," hitting a home run over the center field fence after gesturing in that direction. The Yankees won the game and clinched the series the following day.

1932: Yankees Win Pennant

In the 1932 season, the Yankees went 107-47 and won the pennant. Ruth hit .341 with 41 home runs and 137 RBIs but was sidelined twice due to injuries.

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

On July 6, 1933, Babe Ruth played right field in the first Major League Baseball All-Star Game, held 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 AL win the game 4–2.

July 13, 1934: Hit his 700th career home run

On July 13, 1934, Babe Ruth, in his last full season with the Yankees, hit his 700th career home run. Although he had a .288 batting average with 22 home runs, his performance was considered less impressive compared to his previous seasons.

1934: Last Season with the Yankees

1934 marked Babe Ruth's final season with the New York Yankees, after which he concluded his career with a brief stint with the Boston Braves.

1934: Declined minor league management role and missed out on Tigers' job

In 1934, Babe Ruth declined the offer to manage the Yankees' top minor-league team, the Newark Bears. He also delayed a meeting with the Tigers, who were considering him for a player-manager role, to go on a trip to Hawaii, ultimately losing the opportunity.

1934: Openly campaigned to manage the Yankees

In 1934, Babe Ruth openly expressed his desire to manage the Yankees, which strained his relationship with the current manager, McCarthy. By the end of the season, Ruth hinted he would retire if not named manager.

February 26, 1935: Traded to the Boston Braves

On February 26, 1935, Babe Ruth was traded to the Boston Braves, where he was promised a vice president role and a share in the team's profits, with the potential to become manager.

May 25, 1935: Hit three home runs at Forbes Field

On May 25, 1935, Babe Ruth hit 4-for-4, including three home runs in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Forbes Field. One of these was the first fair ball ever hit completely out of the park.

1936: Potential Manager

In 1936, there was the possibility of Babe Ruth succeeding Bill McKechnie as manager of the Braves.

1937: Limited Management Opportunities

In 1937, only one managerial position became available, and the Indians owner, Alva Bradley, did not consider Babe Ruth for the job.

1938: Hired as Dodgers first base coach

In 1938, Babe Ruth was hired by the Dodgers as a first base coach, with limited responsibilities and no consideration for the manager's job. He sought an opportunity to return as an active player, but was denied.