Childhood and Education Journey of Babe Ruth in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Babe Ruth. A timeline of key moments.

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'.

1904: Death of Ruth Cleveland

In 1904, Ruth Cleveland, daughter of former president Grover Cleveland, died. The Baby Ruth candy bar was claimed to be named after her.

October 17, 1914: Ruth's Marriage to Helen Woodford

On October 17, 1914, Babe Ruth married Helen Woodford, a waitress, in St. Paul's Catholic Church in Ellicott City.

September 1917: Conscription Introduced

In September 1917, the United States introduced conscription, impacting baseball. Many players, including Red Sox player-manager Jack Barry, were of draft age. Barry joined the Naval Reserve, later being called up after the 1917 season. Ed Barrow became the Red Sox manager.

1918: 1918 Flu Pandemic

After the war and the 1918 flu pandemic, the public longed for something to help put these traumas behind it.

August 1920: Death of Ray Chapman

In August 1920, Ray Chapman died after being struck by a pitched ball, which accelerated the gradual abolition of the spitball and the more frequent use of new baseballs.

1921: Adoption of Dorothy

In 1921, Babe Ruth and his wife Helen adopted a daughter named Dorothy.

August 1922: Rule change for barnstorming

In August 1922, the rule was changed to allow limited barnstorming for World Series participants, with Commissioner Landis's permission required.

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.

1923: Ruppert buys out Huston

In 1923, Ruppert bought out Huston.

1923: Ruth stays in shape

In 1923, Ruth focused on staying in shape.

1923: Surviving Teammates

In June of 1948 Babe Ruth reunited with his surviving teammates from 1923, at the Yankee Stadium for the final time in his life

1924: Ruth stays in shape

In 1924, Ruth focused on staying in shape.

1925: Ruth and Helen Separate

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

1925: Ruth works out at McGovern's gym

During the offseason of 1925, Babe Ruth worked out at Artie McGovern's gym, getting back into shape.

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.

1926: Last Public Appearance

In 1926, Babe Ruth and Helen Woodford made their last public appearance together as a couple during the World Series.

1926: Ruth's promise to Johnny Sylvester and high income

In 1926, during the World Series, Babe Ruth promised Johnny Sylvester, a hospitalized boy, that he would hit a home run for him. After the series, Ruth visited the boy in the hospital. That year, Ruth's salary was $52,000, and he earned twice as much from other sources, including $100,000 from vaudeville performances.

1927: Members of the 1927 Yankees attended Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day

In 1939, members of the 1927 Yankees and a sellout crowd turned out to honor Lou Gehrig.

1928: Campaign for Al Smith

In 1928, Babe Ruth, a self-described Democrat, campaigned for Democratic U.S. presidential nominee Al Smith.

April 17, 1929: Ruth Marries Claire Merritt Hodgson

On April 17, 1929, Babe Ruth married Claire Merritt Hodgson, an actress and model, and adopted her daughter Julia.

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.

June 1933: Ruth played golf with Lyn Lary

In June 1933, Babe Ruth played golf with teammate Lyn Lary at Rye Golf Club. Ruth posted the best score after birdies on 3 holes.

1934: World Tour and Cricket Experience

During the 1934-35 offseason, Babe Ruth embarked on a world tour with his wife. While in the United Kingdom, he was introduced to cricket by Alan Fairfax. After learning that the best batsmen made only about $40 per week, Ruth had lost any interest in such a career.

July 4, 1939: Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day

On July 4, 1939, Babe Ruth spoke at Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day at Yankee Stadium to honor Gehrig, who was forced into retirement due to ALS.

1943: Last appearance as a player at Yankee Stadium

In 1943, during World War II, Babe Ruth made his last appearance as a player at Yankee Stadium in an exhibition game for the Army-Navy Relief Fund.

1944: Death of Judge Landis

In 1944, Judge Landis died.

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.

April 27, 1947: Babe Ruth Day

On April 27, 1947, Babe Ruth Day was celebrated throughout the major leagues, with a significant observance at Yankee Stadium, honoring Ruth's career.

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.

February 1948: Florida Trip and Book-Signing

In February 1948, Babe Ruth traveled to Florida to recuperate and later returned to New York for a book-signing party for "The Babe Ruth Story."

June 5, 1948: Visit to Yale University

On June 5, 1948, a gaunt Babe Ruth visited Yale University to donate a manuscript of "The Babe Ruth Story" to its library and met George H. W. Bush.

July 26, 1948: Premiere of The Babe Ruth Story

On July 26, 1948, Babe Ruth left the hospital to attend the premiere of the film "The Babe Ruth Story" before returning to the hospital for the final time.

1980: Juanita Jennings Admits Ruth's Biological Child

In 1980, Juanita Jennings admitted to Dorothy that Dorothy was Ruth's biological child.

1999: Inability to land a Yankees role

In 1999, Ruth's granddaughter and daughter stated that Babe Ruth's inability to land a managerial role with the Yankees caused him to feel hurt and slump into a severe depression.