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 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

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.

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: 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.

1925: Separation from Helen

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

1925: Ruth's Illness and Poor Season

In early 1925, Babe Ruth's health declined, leading to a collapse in Asheville, North Carolina, and hospitalization in New York. Rumors of his death spread, and his illness was dubbed "the bellyache heard 'round the world." Playing only 98 games, Ruth had his worst season as a Yankee, batting .290 with 25 home runs. The Yankees had a losing record.

1929: Huggins' Death and Yankees' Season

In 1929, the Yankees finished second behind the Athletics. Manager Huggins died of a bacterial skin infection on September 25. Babe Ruth hit .345 with 46 home runs.

1932: Rift with Lou Gehrig

Sometime in 1932, a seven-year rift began in Babe Ruth's relationship with teammate Lou Gehrig after Gehrig's mother made a comment about Ruth's daughter Dorothy not being as well-dressed as Claire's daughter, which led to an argument between Ruth and Gehrig.

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.

November 1946: Diagnosis of Cancer

In November 1946, Babe Ruth was diagnosed with an inoperable malignant tumor at the base of his skull and in his neck, known as nasopharyngeal carcinoma, after undergoing tests at French Hospital in New York.