Challenges Faced by Babe Ruth: Obstacles and Turning Points

Life is full of challenges, and Babe Ruth faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

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

June 13, 1902: Entry to St. Mary's Industrial School for Boys

On June 13, 1902, Babe Ruth was sent to St. Mary's Industrial School for Boys, a reformatory and orphanage, due to being deemed "incorrigible" because his father had given him little supervision.

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.

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.

May 20, 1922: End of Suspension for Barnstorming

On May 20, 1922, Babe Ruth's suspension for participating in a barnstorming tour ended.

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.

1922: Giants Refuse to Renew Yankees Lease

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

1922: Ruth Stripped of Captaincy

In 1922, after being named the Yankees' on-field captain prior to the season, Ruth was stripped of the position and suspended for throwing dust in an umpire's face and confronting a heckler. The Yankees lost the World Series to the New York Giants in 1922.

1925: Illness and Collapse

In early 1925, Babe Ruth weighed nearly 260 pounds (120 kg) despite visiting Hot Springs, Arkansas, for exercise. He became ill and relapsed during spring training, collapsing in Asheville, North Carolina. He was briefly hospitalized in New York after being found unconscious in his hotel bathroom. The cause was rumored to be overindulgence in hot dogs and soda pop.

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.

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.

November 1946: Ruth Diagnosed with Cancer

In November 1946, Babe Ruth was admitted to French Hospital in New York for tests that revealed he had an inoperable malignant tumor at the base of his skull and in his neck, identified as nasopharyngeal carcinoma.