History of Babe Ruth in Timeline

Babe Ruth, nicknamed "the Bambino" and "the Sultan of Swat," was a celebrated American baseball player who played in MLB from 1914 to 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. Widely regarded as one of the greatest sports heroes and baseball players ever, Ruth revolutionized the game with his power hitting and charismatic personality. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936 as one of its first members, solidifying his place in baseball history.

Sections (6)

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

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

On June 13, 1902, Babe Ruth entered St. Mary's Industrial School for Boys, a reformatory and orphanage. He was recorded as "incorrigible" and spent much of the next 12 years there.

1904: Death of Ruth Cleveland

Ruth Cleveland, daughter of former president Grover Cleveland, died in 1904. The Baby Ruth candy bar, first marketed in 1921, was claimed to be named after her.

1909: Babe Adams' World Series Heroics

In 1909, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Babe Adams became a World Series hero, highlighting the usage of the nickname "Babe" in baseball during that era.

1913: Played Weekend Games

In 1913, at the age of 18, Babe Ruth was permitted to leave St. Mary's to participate in weekend baseball games on teams from the community. During this time, he garnered attention in newspaper articles for his pitching abilities and home run hitting.

March 7, 1914: First Appearance as a Professional Ballplayer

On March 7, 1914, Babe Ruth made his debut as a professional ballplayer in an inter-squad game. He played shortstop and pitched, contributing to a 15-9 victory and hitting a home run.

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

On July 11, 1914, Babe Ruth arrived in Boston and later won his first game as a pitcher for the Red Sox with a score of 4-3 against the Cleveland Naps. During that morning, he met Helen Woodford, who would become his first wife.

October 17, 1914: Marriage to Helen Woodford

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

1914: Signed to Minor League then Sold to Red Sox

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

1915: Yankees had been wearing pinstripes since 1915.

Before the 1929 season, Yankees announced that the Yankees would wear uniform numbers. The Yankees had been wearing pinstripes since 1915.

1918: Flu Pandemic

The 1918 flu pandemic hit the country hard, leading to a longing for something to help put these traumas behind it, which Babe Ruth helped fulfill.

1920: Yankees Jersey Sold for Millions

In 1920, Babe Ruth's Yankees jersey was made and later sold for $4.4 million in 2012 (equivalent to $6.05 million in 2024), becoming one of the most expensive pieces of sports memorabilia ever sold.

1920: Shift in Baseball Strategy

Prior to 1920, home runs were unusual, and managers tried to win games by getting a runner on base and bringing him around to score through such means as the stolen base, the bunt, and the hit and run. After the 1920 season, Ruth's breakout performance that season and the response in excitement and attendance, settled the American public interest for the home run.

1921: Ruth's 1921 pace for home runs.

As of September 6, 1927, Ruth was still several games off his 1921 pace for single-season home run record.

1921: Adoption of Dorothy

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

1921: Baby Ruth Candy Bar Marketed

In 1921, the Curtiss Candy Company first marketed the Baby Ruth candy bar at the height of the craze over Babe Ruth. The company maintained it was named after Ruth Cleveland, daughter of former president Grover Cleveland.

November 11, 1922: Morals Clause Signed

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

1923: 25th Anniversary Celebrations

Babe Ruth and his surviving teammates were introduced on June 13, 1948, when Ruth visited Yankee Stadium for the final time in his life to celebrate the 25th-anniversary of "The House that Ruth Built" from 1923. He used a bat as a cane.

1923: Yankees win AL pennant and World Series

In 1923, the Yankees, led by Babe Ruth, dominated the season, winning the AL pennant by 17 games. Ruth achieved a career-high .393 batting average and tied for the most home runs in the major leagues with 41. The Yankees faced the Giants in the World Series for the third consecutive year, with Ruth batting .368, hitting three home runs, and leading the Yankees to their first World Series championship, four games to two.

1924: Ruth wins AL Batting Title

In 1924, the Yankees battled the Senators due to injuries, ultimately losing the pennant by two games. Despite the team's struggles, Ruth hit .378, winning his only AL batting title, and led the league with 46 home runs.

1925: Separation from Helen

Around 1925, Babe Ruth and his wife Helen separated reportedly because of Ruth's repeated infidelities and neglect.

1925: Ruth works out at Artie McGovern's gym to get back in shape

During the offseason of 1925–26, Babe Ruth worked out at Artie McGovern's gym to get back into shape. The Yankees, rebuilt by Barrow and Huggins with young players like Tony Lazzeri and Lou Gehrig, were not expected to win the pennant.

1925: Ruth collapses and is hospitalized

In early 1925, Babe Ruth's health deteriorated due to his lifestyle. He collapsed in Asheville, North Carolina, and was hospitalized in New York, with rumors circulating about his death. His illness was attributed to binging on hot dogs and soda pop, known as "the bellyache heard 'round the world." Ruth played only 98 games and had his worst season as a Yankee.

1926: Last Public Appearance with Helen

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

1926: Gifted Brother Matthias a Cadillac

In 1926, Babe Ruth gifted Brother Matthias, his mentor from St. Mary's, a Cadillac as a gesture of gratitude. He later replaced it after the car was destroyed in an accident.

1926: Yankees win the AL pennant, Ruth hits three home runs in World Series game

In 1926, Ruth returned to form, batting .372 with 47 home runs and 146 RBIs, leading the Yankees to win the AL pennant. In Game Four of the World Series, Ruth hit three home runs, the first time this had been done in a World Series game. However, the Yankees lost the series to the St. Louis Cardinals.

1926: Ruth promises Johnny Sylvester a home run

The 1926 World Series was known for Babe Ruth's promise to Johnny Sylvester, a hospitalized 11-year-old boy, that he would hit a home run for him. Ruth fulfilled his promise and visited the boy in the hospital after the series. Ruth's salary was $52,000, but he made at least twice as much in other income, including $100,000 from vaudeville.

1927: Ruth's World Series Ring

In 1927, Babe Ruth had a World Series ring made and later sold by Charlie Sheen in 2017 for $2 million, a record for a championship ring.

1927: A Certain September Afternoon

In 1927, Babe Ruth stared out at Tom Zachary on a certain September afternoon, an image that remains recognizable today.

1927: Yankees win AL Pennant, Ruth sets single-season home run record

In 1927, the New York Yankees, known as Murderers' Row, clinched first place on Labor Day, won a then-AL-record 110 games, and won the AL pennant by 19 games. Babe Ruth broke his own single-season home run record with his 60th homer on September 30 against Tom Zachary. The Yankees swept the Pittsburgh Pirates in the World Series.

1927: Members of the 1927 Yankees

In July 4, 1939, members of the 1927 Yankees and a sellout crowd turned out to honor Lou Gehrig. Babe Ruth spoke at Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day at Yankee Stadium to honor Gehrig, who was retiring due to ALS.

1928: Campaigning for Al Smith

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

1928: Yankees win World Series

In 1928, the Yankees started well but faced challenges due to injuries and inconsistent play. Despite Ruth's slump in the latter part of the season, he ended with 54 home runs. The Yankees swept the Cardinals in four games in the World Series, with Ruth batting .625 and hitting three home runs in Game Four.

January 1929: Death of Helen Ruth

In January 1929, Helen Ruth, Babe Ruth's first wife, died at the age of 31 in a fire in a house in Watertown, Massachusetts.

April 17, 1929: Marriage to Claire Merritt Hodgson

On April 17, 1929, Babe Ruth married actress and model Claire Merritt Hodgson, three months after the death of his first wife.

1929: Yankees adopt uniform numbers

Before the 1929 season, Yankees announced that the Yankees would wear uniform numbers. Ruth batted third and was given number 3. The Yankees had been wearing pinstripes since 1915.

1929: Yankees finish second, Manager Huggins dies

In 1929, the Yankees were unable to catch the Athletics despite Ruth's performance. Manager Huggins died at 51 of erysipelas on September 25, after managing the team. The Yankees finished second, 18 games behind the Athletics.

January 7, 1930: Salary negotiations between Yankees and Ruth break down

On January 7, 1930, salary negotiations between the Yankees and Babe Ruth broke down. Ruth demanded at least $85,000 and three years, eventually settling for two years at $80,000 per year, more than 2.4 times greater than the next-highest salary that season.

1930: Ruth pitches a complete game victory

In 1930, Babe Ruth hit .359 with 49 home runs and 153 RBIs, and pitched his first game in nine years, a complete game victory. The Athletics won their second consecutive pennant and World Series, while the Yankees finished in third place.

1931: Ruth hits .373 with 46 home runs and 163 RBIs

In 1931, Babe Ruth hit .373, with 46 home runs and 163 RBIs. He had 31 doubles, his most since 1924. The team improved, but was no match for the Athletics.

1932: "Called Shot" Jersey Sale

In 1932, Babe Ruth wore the jersey that later sold in 2024 for a record $24 million after hitting his "called shot" home run in the World Series.

1932: Rift with Lou Gehrig

In 1932, a comment by Lou Gehrig's mother about Claire's treatment of Dorothy caused a seven-year rift in Babe Ruth's relationship with teammate Lou Gehrig.

1932: 1932 World Series

In 1932, the Yankees faced the Cubs in the World Series, marked by animosity stemming from the Cubs awarding only half a World Series share to Mark Koenig. Games at Yankee Stadium were won by the home team. Ruth faced hostile crowds in Chicago, where he hit a three-run home run in Game Three off Charlie Root. In the fifth inning, after taunts from the crowd, Ruth seemingly pointed to center field and then hit a home run over the center field fence. The Yankees won Game Three and clinched the series the next day.

1932: Managerial Aspirations

In 1932, when Babe Ruth was mentioned as a contender for the Red Sox managerial position, he stated that he was not yet ready to leave the field. This indicates his early aspirations to become a manager, although he was not yet prepared to retire as a player.

1932: Yankees win the pennant

In the 1932 season, the Yankees went 107–47 and won the pennant. Babe Ruth's effectiveness had decreased somewhat, but he still hit .341 with 41 home runs and 137 RBIs. He was sidelined twice because of injuries.

June 1933: Golf Game at Rye Golf Club

In June 1933, Babe Ruth played golf at Rye Golf Club with his teammate Lyn Lary. Ruth posted the best score, making birdies on 3 holes. His appearance drew spectators and headlines, highlighting his celebrity status even off the baseball field.

July 6, 1933: First MLB All-Star Game

On July 6, 1933, Babe Ruth played right field in the first Major League Baseball All-Star Game at Comiskey Park in Chicago. He hit the first home run in All-Star Game history, a two-run blast against Bill Hallahan in the third inning, helping the American League win the game 4–2.

1933: Braves finish fourth in the National League

In 1933, the Braves finished fourth in the National League. The Braves had enjoyed modest recent success, finishing fourth in the National League in both 1933 and 1934, but the team drew poorly at the box office.

July 13, 1934: Ruth hits 700th career home run

On July 13, 1934, Babe Ruth hit his 700th career home run. Despite his declining physical condition, he still managed a .288 batting average with 22 home runs during the season. He was also selected to the AL All-Star team for the second consecutive year.

1934: World Tour and Cricket Introduction

During the 1934-35 offseason, Babe Ruth toured the world with his wife, including a barnstorming tour of the Far East. In the United Kingdom, he was introduced to cricket, where he hit massive shots as a baseball batter and destroyed the bat. However, his interest waned upon learning about the lower pay for even the best cricket batsmen.

1934: Desire to Manage the Yankees

Early in the 1934 season, Babe Ruth openly expressed his desire to manage the Yankees. However, the job was not a serious possibility as Ruppert supported McCarthy. By the end of the season, Ruth hinted he would retire if not named Yankees manager.

1934: Hat of Ruth's was made and later sold

In 1934, Babe Ruth had a hat made which set a record for a baseball cap when David Wells sold it at auction for $537 thousand in 2012.

1934: Declined Newark Bears Managerial Offer

In 1934, just before the season, Babe Ruth was offered the managerial position of the Yankees' top minor-league team, the Newark Bears. However, he declined the offer due to the advice of his wife, Claire, and his business manager, Christy Walsh.

1934: Braves finish fourth in the National League

In 1934, the Braves finished fourth in the National League. The Braves had enjoyed modest recent success, finishing fourth in the National League in both 1933 and 1934, but the team drew poorly at the box office.

February 26, 1935: Traded to the Boston Braves

On February 26, 1935, the Yankees traded Babe Ruth to the Boston Braves. He was announced as a team vice president, consultant on club transactions, and assistant manager to Bill McKechnie. Fuchs promised Ruth a share in the Braves' profits and the possibility of becoming co-owner and succeeding McKechnie as manager.

May 25, 1935: Final Great Performance

On May 25, 1935, Babe Ruth went 4-for-4 with three home runs against the Pittsburgh Pirates, including two off Guy Bush. The last home run was the first ball hit completely out of Forbes Field. He retired on June 2 after an argument with Fuchs.

1936: Baseball Hall of Fame Inaugural Class

In 1936, Babe Ruth was one of the first five players elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. However, unlike the other four members (Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson, and Walter Johnson), Ruth was not offered a managerial position.

1936: Potential Managerial Role

In 1936, there was a possibility of Ruth succeeding McKechnie as manager of the Braves. This was part of the agreement when he was traded to the Braves, as promised by Judge Emil Fuchs, the owner.

1937: Lack of Managerial Offers

By the end of the 1937 season, despite Babe Ruth's hope to be hired as a manager after his retirement as a player, only one managerial position became available (Cleveland), and he was not considered. Team owners and general managers cited his personal habits as a reason for excluding him.

1938: First Base Coach for the Dodgers

In 1938, Babe Ruth was hired as the first base coach for the Brooklyn Dodgers. His duties were primarily to appear in uniform and encourage base runners, with no real coaching responsibilities. He sought to return as an active player in a pinch-hitting role, but was denied.

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 retiring due to ALS. Members of the 1927 Yankees were present.

1943: Final Appearance as a Player

In 1943, during World War II, Babe Ruth made his last appearance as a player at Yankee Stadium in an exhibition for the Army-Navy Relief Fund. He hit a long fly ball, which curved foul, but he circled the bases anyway.

1944: Death of Judge Landis

Judge Landis died in 1944, which led to Happy Chandler becoming the new commissioner who would proclaim April 27, 1947 as Babe Ruth Day.

November 1946: Diagnosis of Cancer

In November 1946, Babe Ruth entered French Hospital in New York for tests, which revealed that he had an inoperable malignant tumor at the base of his skull and in his neck.

1946: Illness with Nasopharyngeal Cancer

In 1946, Babe Ruth became ill with nasopharyngeal cancer, which would eventually lead to his death two years later. This marked the beginning of his final years, during which he still made public appearances.

1946: Final Effort to Gain a Job in Baseball

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. This marked the end of his attempts to secure a managerial or coaching position in baseball.

April 27, 1947: Babe Ruth Day

On April 27, 1947, Happy Chandler declared "Babe Ruth Day" around the major leagues, with the most significant observance at Yankee Stadium, where teammates and others honored Ruth.

1947: Writing of Autobiography

By late 1947, Babe Ruth was unable to help with the writing of his autobiography, The Babe Ruth Story, which was almost entirely ghostwritten.

1947: Improvement and Promotional Work

In 1947, Babe Ruth showed dramatic improvement from cancer treatment and did promotional work for the Ford Motor Company on American Legion Baseball.

February 1948: Trip to Florida

In February 1948, Babe Ruth left for Florida, doing what activities he could, after being in and out of the hospital in Manhattan.

June 5, 1948: Visit to Yale University

On June 5, 1948, Babe Ruth, looking gaunt, visited Yale University to donate a manuscript of The Babe Ruth Story to its library and met with future president 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. Shortly thereafter, he returned to the hospital for the final time.

August 16, 1948: Babe Ruth's Death

Babe Ruth, a celebrated figure in American baseball, passed away on August 16, 1948, after battling nasopharyngeal cancer. His death marked the end of an era for one of the sport's most iconic players.

April 19, 1949: Unveiling of Monument

On April 19, 1949, the Yankees unveiled a granite monument in Babe Ruth's honor in center field of Yankee Stadium.

1965: Yankees last season with a losing record until 1965.

In 1925, The Yankees finished next to last in the AL with a 69–85 record, their last season with a losing record until 1965.

1969: Greatest Player Ever

In 1969, Babe Ruth was named baseball's Greatest Player Ever in a ballot commemorating the 100th anniversary of professional baseball.

1973: Increase in Books

At least five books were written in 1973 to capitalize on the increase in public interest in Ruth as Hank Aaron approached his career home run mark.

April 8, 1974: Hank Aaron Breaks Home Run Record

On April 8, 1974, Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth's career home run record, leading to an increase in public interest in Ruth.

1974: Opening of Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum

In 1974, Babe Ruth's birthplace in Baltimore was renovated and opened to the public as the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum.

1974: Stadium Remodel

In 1974, Yankee Stadium was remodeled, resulting in the outfield fences moving inward and enclosing the monuments from the playing field.

1975: Monument Park Enclosure

In 1975, the remodeling of Yankee Stadium was completed. The outfield fences moved inward and enclosing the monuments from the playing field. This area was known thereafter as Monument Park.

1980: Juanita Jennings Confession

In 1980, Juanita Jennings admitted to Dorothy, Babe Ruth's adopted daughter, that Dorothy was Ruth's biological child by her.

1983: Honored with Postal Stamp

In 1983, the United States Postal Service honored Babe Ruth with a twenty-cent stamp.

1993: Most Recognized Athlete

In 1993, the Associated Press reported that Muhammad Ali was tied with Babe Ruth as the most recognized athlete in America.

1995: Estate Licenses Likeness for Baby Ruth Ad Campaign

In 1995, Babe Ruth's estate licensed his likeness for use in an advertising campaign for Baby Ruth.

1998: Ranked as greatest baseball player

In 1998, The Sporting News ranked Babe Ruth number one on the list of "Baseball's 100 Greatest Players", solidifying his reputation as the greatest baseball player of all time.

1998: Autopsy Review

In 1998, a physician reviewed Babe Ruth's autopsy and concluded that his lifelong use of tobacco "probably played a part" in his cancer.

1999: Ruth's Depression

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

1999: Interview with Charlie Devens

In 1999, Charlie Devens, a surviving teammate of Babe Ruth in the 1932 World Series game, was interviewed about the 'called shot' incident, where he stated that he did not believe that Babe Ruth intended to indicate where he planned to hit the ball. The incident has become a part of baseball legend.

1999: Named to All-Century Team and Greatest Athlete of the 20th Century

In 1999, baseball fans named Babe Ruth to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team. Also in 1999, the Associated Press named Ruth the greatest athlete of the 20th century, while an ESPN poll ranked him the second-greatest North American athlete of the century, behind Michael Jordan.

December 2, 2004: Bat Sold for Over a Million

On December 2, 2004, The bat with which Babe Ruth hit the first home run at Yankee Stadium fetched $1.265 million (equivalent to $2.1059 million in 2024) at auction, making it the most expensive baseball bat ever sold according to The Guinness Book of World Records.

2005: Baby Ruth Becomes Official Candy Bar of MLB

In 2005, Baby Ruth became the official candy bar of Major League Baseball.

2006: Ruth's Enduring Popularity

In 2006, Montville stated that more books have been written about Babe Ruth than any other member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, suggesting Ruth is probably even more popular today than he was then.

2008: New Yankee Stadium

After the 2008 season, Yankee Stadium, "the House that Ruth Built", was replaced with a new Yankee Stadium across the street from the old one.

2012: Yankees Jersey and Hat Sold

In 2012, Babe Ruth's 1920 Yankees jersey sold for $4.4 million (equivalent to $6.05 million in 2024). Also in 2012, a hat of Ruth's from the 1934 season set a record for a baseball cap when David Wells sold it at auction for $537 thousand.

2017: World Series Ring Sold for Record Amount

In 2017, Charlie Sheen sold Babe Ruth's 1927 World Series ring for $2 million, a record for a championship ring.

2018: Posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2018, Babe Ruth was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Donald Trump. His grandson, Tom Stevens, accepted the award on his behalf.