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.

Babe Ruth, nicknamed "the Bambino" and "the Sultan of Swat," was a legendary American baseball player who played in MLB from 1914 to 1935. Initially a star left-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, he achieved iconic status as a slugging outfielder for the New York Yankees. Widely regarded as one of the greatest sports heroes and baseball players of all time, Ruth was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936 as one of its inaugural members. His impact on baseball and American culture remains significant.

Sections (6)

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

June 13, 1902: Ruth Enters St. Mary's

On June 13, 1902, Babe Ruth was admitted to St. Mary's Industrial School for Boys, marked as 'incorrigible'.

1921: Ruth's Contract demands

Prior to the 1919 season, Babe Ruth had a contract that would last through 1921, paying him $10,000 a year. He demanded that his salary be doubled.

November 11, 1922: Morals Clause

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

1922: Ruth's Disappointing Season

In 1922, despite being named the Yankees' captain, Ruth had a shortened and disappointing season, appearing in 110 games, batting .315 with 35 home runs.

1924: Yankees battle for pennant, Ruth wins batting title

In 1924, the Yankees, facing injury challenges, contended with the Senators for the pennant. Despite a strong performance in September, they were defeated by the Senators by two games. However, Babe Ruth achieved a .378 batting average and secured his only AL batting title, also leading the league with 46 home runs.

1925: Ruth and Helen Separate

Around 1925, Babe Ruth and his wife Helen separated due to Ruth's infidelities and neglect.

1925: Ruth's illness and worst season as a Yankee

In early 1925, Babe Ruth's weight reached nearly 260 pounds despite efforts to stay in shape. He fell ill in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and relapsed during spring training, eventually collapsing in Asheville, North Carolina. Hospitalized in New York, he suffered multiple convulsions, leading to rumors of his death. Although the exact cause of his ailment remains unconfirmed, it was humorously attributed to excessive consumption of hot dogs and soda pop. Playing only 98 games in 1925, Ruth had his worst season as a Yankee with a .290 average and 25 home runs, contributing to the Yankees' poor performance and a next-to-last finish in the AL.

1928: Yankees' season and Ruth's performance

In 1928, the Yankees started strong but faced challenges due to injuries and inconsistent play. They eventually regained first place and clinched the pennant. Babe Ruth's performance mirrored the team's, with a hot start followed by a slump. He finished the season 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.

1929: Athletics dominate, Huggins' death

In 1929, the Athletics proved to be the better team, surpassing the Yankees. Late in the year, Yankees manager Huggins died at 51 due to a bacterial skin infection, only ten days after his last game directing the team. Ruth praised Huggins despite past differences. The Yankees finished second, 18 games behind the Athletics. During the season, Ruth hit .345 with 46 home runs and 154 RBIs.

1932: Rift with Lou Gehrig

In 1932, a comment made by Lou Gehrig's mother about Claire's treatment of Dorothy led to a seven-year rift between Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.

1932: Yankees win pennant, Ruth's decreased effectiveness

In the 1932 season, the Yankees won the pennant with a 107-47 record. While Ruth hit .341 with 41 home runs and 137 RBIs, his effectiveness had decreased, and he was sidelined twice due to injuries.

1937: No managerial offers

By the end of the 1937 season, Babe Ruth still had not received any managerial offers from major league teams, despite his hopes and qualifications.

November 1946: Hospitalization and Diagnosis

In November 1946, Babe Ruth was hospitalized and diagnosed with an inoperable malignant tumor at the base of his skull and in his neck.

1946: Rejected by the Yankees

In 1946, Babe Ruth made a final effort to gain a job in baseball by contacting new Yankees boss MacPhail, but he was sent a rejection letter.

1947: Inability to Help Write Autobiography

By late 1947, Babe Ruth was unable to help with the writing of his autobiography, The Babe Ruth Story, due to his declining health.

1947: Experimental Cancer Treatment

In 1947, Babe Ruth underwent experimental treatment with pterolyl triglutamate (Teropterin) for his cancer, showing dramatic improvement and doing promotional work for Ford Motor Company on American Legion Baseball.