History of Babe Ruth in Timeline
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.
June 13, 1902: Entered St. Mary's Industrial School
On June 13, 1902, George Herman Ruth was admitted to St. Mary's Industrial School for Boys, labeled as "incorrigible," and spent much of the next 12 years there.
1902: AL Single-Season Mark Set
In 1902, Ralph "Socks" Seybold set the AL single-season home run record of 16, which Babe Ruth would eventually break later in his career.
1903: Early World Series Era
Between 1903 and 1919, the Red Sox won five of the first 16 World Series.
1904: Death of Ruth Cleveland
Ruth Cleveland, daughter of former president Grover Cleveland, died in 1904. The Baby Ruth candy bar was later marketed, with the company claiming it was named after her.
March 7, 1914: First Appearance as Professional Ballplayer
On March 7, 1914, Babe Ruth made his debut as a professional baseball player in an inter-squad game. He played shortstop, pitched the last two innings, and hit a home run.
July 11, 1914: Arrival in Boston and Meeting Helen Woodford
On July 11, 1914, Babe Ruth arrived in Boston and reportedly met Helen Woodford, a 16-year-old waitress who later became his first wife. That same afternoon, he won his first game as a pitcher for the Red Sox.
July 30, 1914: Red Sox to Send Replacement to Grays
On July 30, 1914, Boston Red Sox owner Joseph Lannin, after purchasing the minor-league Providence Grays, announced that the Red Sox would send a replacement player to the Grays to appease fans upset about losing a star player. This replacement was intended to be Babe Ruth, but his departure was delayed due to a waiver claim by the Cincinnati Reds. After negotiations, Ruth was allowed to be sent to the minors for development.
August 18, 1914: Ruth Joins the Providence Grays
On August 18, 1914, Babe Ruth officially joined the Providence Grays of the International League. He was deeply influenced by manager "Wild Bill" Donovan, who taught him much about pitching. Ruth often pitched, winning four games in eight days.
October 17, 1914: Marriage to Helen Woodford
On October 17, 1914, Babe Ruth married Helen Woodford, a waitress he met in Boston, at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Ellicott City. They were teenagers at the time.
March 1915: Ruth Reports to Spring Training
In March 1915, Babe Ruth reported to Hot Springs, Arkansas for his first major league spring training with the Boston Red Sox. Despite a successful first season, he wasn't initially slated as a regular starter due to the presence of established left-handed pitchers on the team.
August 1915: Warhop Concludes Major League Career
In August 1915, Jack Warhop, the pitcher who gave up Babe Ruth's first major league home run, concluded an eight-season major league career.
1915: Red Sox Win World Series, Ruth's Hitting Impresses
In 1915, Babe Ruth finished the season with an 18-8 pitching record, batting .315 with four home runs. The Boston Red Sox won the American League pennant and subsequently the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. Ruth was used as a pinch hitter in Game Five, grounding out against Grover Cleveland Alexander. During the season, Ruth gained a reputation for hitting long home runs; one hit at Sportsman's Park broke a window of a Chevrolet dealership on Grand Avenue.
1915: Yankees wearing pinstripes
The Yankees started wearing pinstripes uniforms since 1915.
1916: Reputation as an outstanding pitcher
By 1916, Babe Ruth had established himself as an exceptional pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, occasionally hitting long home runs, which was rare during the dead-ball era.
1916: Ruth's Pitching Duels with Walter Johnson
In 1916, Babe Ruth engaged in repeated pitching duels with Walter Johnson of the Washington Senators, winning four out of five meetings. Ruth finished the season with a 23-12 record, a 1.75 ERA, and nine shutouts. The Red Sox won the pennant and World Series, with Ruth winning Game 2 in 14 innings. This was the longest World Series game until 2005, and Ruth's pitching performance remains the longest postseason complete game victory.
1916: Carrigan Retires, Frazee Buys Red Sox
In 1916, after the season, Red Sox player and manager Carrigan retired to become a businessman, and the team was sold to a group led by Harry Frazee, a New York theatrical promoter. Jack Barry was hired as manager.
September 1917: Conscription Introduced in US
In September 1917, with the United States' entry into World War I, conscription was introduced, affecting many baseball players, including Red Sox player-manager Jack Barry, who joined the Naval Reserve. Frazee then hired Ed Barrow as the Red Sox manager to fill the void.
1917: Ruth Leads League in Complete Games
In 1917, Babe Ruth led the league with 35 complete games, going 24-13 with a 2.01 ERA and six shutouts. On June 23, Ruth was ejected from a game against Washington after arguing with the umpire and punching him, resulting in a suspension and fine. Ernie Shore relieved Ruth and retired all 26 batters, a feat later amended to a combined no-hitter in 1991.
1918: Flu Pandemic
After the war and the 1918 flu pandemic, the country longed for something to help put these traumas behind it.
1918: Ruth Secures Home Run Title
During the war-shortened 1918 season, Babe Ruth primarily played as an outfielder and hit .300 with 11 home runs, securing a share of the major league home run title with Tilly Walker. He also pitched, recording a 13-7 record with a 2.22 ERA.
1918: Yankees Aggressively Acquire Players
In 1918, Ruppert and Huston aggressively purchased and traded for players to build a winning team.
1918: Red Sox Win World Series
In 1918, the Boston Red Sox won their third pennant in four years and faced the Chicago Cubs in the World Series. Babe Ruth pitched and won Game One with a 1-0 shutout. Despite an injured hand, he also won Game Four, contributing with a triple, and the Red Sox secured the series victory. Ruth's 29+2⁄3 consecutive scoreless innings set a World Series record that stood until 1961.
1918: Red Sox Secure 1918 Title
In 1918, the Boston Red Sox, under the ownership of Harry Frazee, secured the title with the help of players acquired through purchase or trade, demonstrating Frazee's willingness to invest in the team.
March 1919: Ruth Accepts Three-Year Contract
In March 1919, Babe Ruth reportedly accepted a three-year contract for a total of $27,000 after lengthy negotiations with the Boston Red Sox.
December 26, 1919: Frazee Sells Ruth's Contract to the Yankees
On December 26, 1919, Harry Frazee, owner of the Boston Red Sox, sold Babe Ruth's contract to the New York Yankees, a move that would significantly alter the fortunes of both franchises.
1919: Potential for Ruth's Explosion
Baseball statistician Bill James theorized that Ruth's 1920 explosion might have happened in 1919, had a full season of 154 games been played rather than 140, had Ruth refrained from pitching 133 innings that season, and if he were playing at any other home field but Fenway Park.
1919: Early World Series Era
Between 1903 and 1919, the Red Sox won five of the first 16 World Series.
1919: Ruth Concentrates on Hitting
During the 1919 season, Babe Ruth focused more on hitting, playing as a pitcher in only 17 of his 130 games, with a 9-5 record. As the Red Sox fell out of contention, manager Barrow allowed Ruth to concentrate on his hitting to draw crowds, resulting in a remarkable stretch of home runs that captivated the public.
1919: MLB single-season home run record
In 1919, Babe Ruth broke the MLB single-season home run record, hitting 29 home runs.
1919: My Lady Friends Opened
In 1919, Harry Frazee produced the play 'My Lady Friends', which later served as the basis for the musical 'No, No, Nanette'.
1919: Yankees Aggressively Acquire Players
In 1919, Ruppert and Huston aggressively purchased and traded for players to build a winning team.
January 6, 1920: Sale of Ruth Announced
On January 6, 1920, the New York Yankees announced the acquisition of Babe Ruth. Ruth agreed to fulfill the remaining two years on his contract but was given a $20,000 bonus, payable over two seasons.
April 1920: Yankees' Slow Start to Season
At the end of April 1920, the Yankees had a 4-7 record, while the Red Sox led the league with a 10-2 mark.
August 1920: Ray Chapman's Death
The gradual abolition of the spitball was accelerated after the death of Ray Chapman, struck by a pitched ball thrown by Mays in August 1920.
1920: First Note Due
As part of the deal for Babe Ruth, a $25,000 note was due on November 1, 1920, from Frazee to Ruppert.
1920: 1920 Yankees Jersey Sold
Babe Ruth's 1920 Yankees jersey sold for $4.4 million in 2012 (equivalent to $6.05 million in 2024).
1920: Barrow Hired as Yankees Business Manager
Early in the 1920 season, Harry Sparrow died, so Ruppert and Huston hired Barrow to replace him as Yankees business manager. Barrow then acquired catcher Wally Schang and pitcher Waite Hoyt.
1920: Cleveland Won World Series
In 1920, Cleveland won the World Series.
1920: Impact of Home Runs on Baseball
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.
1921: Barnstorming Tour and Suspension
After the 1921 World Series, Ruth participated in a barnstorming tour and was suspended until May 20, 1922, by Commissioner Landis for violating rules against World Series participants playing in exhibition games during the offseason.
1921: Ruth's home run pace
As of September 6, 1927, Ruth was still several games off his 1921 pace, with 57 home runs.
1921: Second Note Due
As part of the deal for Babe Ruth, a $25,000 note was due on November 1, 1921, from Frazee to Ruppert.
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.
1921: Adoption of Dorothy
In 1921, Babe Ruth and his wife Helen adopted a daughter named Dorothy.
1921: Yankees in 1921 World Series
In the 1921 World Series, the Yankees faced the New York Giants, losing five games to three. Ruth hit .316 and hit his first World Series home run.
March 4, 1922: Ruth Signs New Contract
On March 4, 1922, Babe Ruth signed a new three-year contract for $52,000 a year, equivalent to $980,000 in 2024, more than double the largest sum ever paid to a ballplayer up to that point, representing 40% of the team's player payroll.
May 20, 1922: End of Suspension
Babe Ruth's suspension ended on May 20, 1922, following his participation in a barnstorming tour after the 1921 World Series.
August 1922: Barnstorming Rule Changed
In August 1922, the rule regarding barnstorming was changed to allow limited participation for World Series players with Landis's permission.
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: Third Note Due
As part of the deal for Babe Ruth, a $25,000 note was due on November 1, 1922, from Frazee to Ruppert.
1922: Giants Refuse to Renew Yankees' Lease
In 1922, Giants owner Charles Stoneham said the Yankees' lease at the Polo Grounds, expiring after that season, would not be renewed.
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.
April 18, 1923: Yankee Stadium Home Opener
On April 18, 1923, Yankee Stadium was completed, and Babe Ruth hit the first home run in what was quickly dubbed "the House that Ruth Built."
1923: Ruth's physical shape description
In 1923, Babe Ruth was described as having a large upper body but thin wrists and legs.
1923: Surviving Teammates from 1923
In 1923, Babe Ruth's surviving teammates, who were with him, were introduced along with Ruth himself during the 25th-anniversary celebrations of Yankee Stadium.
1923: Yankees win AL pennant and World Series
In 1923, the Yankees dominated, securing the AL pennant by a significant margin of 17 games. Babe Ruth achieved a career-high .393 batting average and tied for the most home runs in the major leagues with 41. Ruth also hit a career-high 45 doubles. The Yankees faced the Giants in the World Series for the third consecutive year, with Ruth batting .368 and hitting three home runs, leading the Yankees to their first World Series championship in their new stadium.
1924: Ruth's physical shape description
In 1924, Babe Ruth was described as having a large upper body but thin wrists and legs.
1924: Ruth Wins AL Batting Title
In 1924, despite injury challenges, Babe Ruth batted .378, securing his only AL batting title, and leading the league with 46 home runs. The Yankees, however, were defeated by the Senators by two games.
1925: Separation from Helen
Around 1925, Babe Ruth and his wife Helen separated due to Ruth's infidelity and neglect.
1925: Ruth Works to Get Back in Shape
During the offseason of 1925, Babe Ruth worked out at Artie McGovern's gym to regain his fitness.
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.
1925: No, No, Nanette Premiere
The musical 'No, No, Nanette' did not open until 1925. It is often mistakenly associated with the sale of Babe Ruth, even though Frazee had already sold the Red Sox by then.
1926: Last Public Appearance with Helen
Babe Ruth and his wife Helen appeared in public together for the last time during the 1926 World Series.
1926: Cadillac Gift to Brother Matthias
In 1926, Babe Ruth demonstrated his generosity by spending $5,000 to buy Brother Matthias, his mentor from St. Mary's, a Cadillac, and later replaced it after it was destroyed in an accident.
1926: Ruth's Promise to Johnny Sylvester
In 1926, Babe Ruth promised Johnny Sylvester, a hospitalized boy, that he would hit a home run for him during the World Series. Ruth's 1926 salary was $52,000, but he earned more from other ventures, including vaudeville.
1926: Yankees Win Pennant, World Series Loss
In 1926, Babe Ruth returned to form, batting .372 with 47 home runs. The Yankees won the pennant but lost the World Series to the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games. Ruth hit four home runs during the series but was thrown out attempting to steal second base in the final game.
1927: World Series Ring
Charlie Sheen sold Babe Ruth's 1927 World Series ring for $2 million in 2017, a record for a championship ring.
1927: Stared out at Tom Zachary
In 1927 Babe Ruth stared out at Tom Zachary, securing his place in sports history.
1927: Yankees' Historic Season and Ruth's Home Run Record
In 1927, the New York Yankees, known as Murderers' Row, had a historic season, winning a then-AL-record 110 games and the AL pennant. Babe Ruth broke his own single-season home run record, hitting 60 home runs. The Yankees swept the Pittsburgh Pirates in the World Series.
1927: Members of the 1927 Yankees
On July 4, 1939, at Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day at Yankee Stadium, members of the 1927 Yankees attended to honor the retiring first baseman.
1928: Campaigning for Al Smith
In 1928, Babe Ruth, a self-described Democrat, actively campaigned for Al Smith, the Democratic nominee for U.S. President.
1928: Yankees Clinch Pennant and Win World Series
In 1928, the Yankees overcame injuries and inconsistent play to clinch the pennant. Babe Ruth hit 54 home runs. The Yankees swept the Cardinals in the World Series, with Ruth batting .625 and hitting three home runs in Game Four.
1928: Ruth's best in his years after 1928
In 1930, Ruth hit .359 with 49 home runs (his best in his years after 1928) and 153 RBIs, and pitched his first game in nine years, a complete game victory.
January 1929: Death of Helen Ruth
In January 1929, Helen Ruth, Babe Ruth's first wife, died at the age of 31 in a house fire in Watertown, Massachusetts. She had been living as "Mrs. Kinder" with Edward Kinder, a dentist.
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. He also adopted her daughter Julia.
1929: Yankees Adopt Uniform Numbers
In 1929, the Yankees began wearing uniform numbers to improve fan identification. Babe Ruth, batting third, was assigned number 3.
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.
January 7, 1930: Ruth's Salary Negotiations
On January 7, 1930, salary negotiations between Babe Ruth and the Yankees broke down due to Ruth's demand for $85,000 for three years, which was more than the US President's salary. A compromise was reached for $80,000 per year for two years.
1930: Ruth's Performance and Yankees' Season
In 1930, Babe Ruth hit .359 with 49 home runs and pitched a complete game victory. However, the Yankees finished third, and manager Shawkey was replaced with Joe McCarthy.
1931: Yankees Improved Season
In 1931, the Yankees improved but were still behind the Athletics. Ruth hit .373 with 46 home runs.
1932: Consideration for Red Sox Managerial Position
In 1932, Babe Ruth was considered as a potential candidate for the Red Sox managerial position. However, Ruth stated that he was not yet ready to leave the field as a player.
1932: 1932 World Series against the Cubs
In 1932, the Yankees played the World Series against the Cubs, with tension high due to a dispute over World Series shares. During Game Three in Chicago, amidst hostile crowds, Babe Ruth seemingly pointed to center field before hitting a home run off Charlie Root, an event that became known as Babe Ruth's "called shot". The Yankees won the game and clinched the series the following day.
1932: Yankees win the pennant
In 1932, the Yankees won the pennant with a 107-47 record. Ruth hit .341 with 41 home runs, but was sidelined twice due to injuries.
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.
1932: "Called Shot" Jersey Sold
The jersey Babe Ruth wore when hitting his "called shot" home run in the 1932 World Series sold in 2024 for a record $24 million.
June 1933: Golfing with Lyn Lary
In June 1933, Babe Ruth played golf at Rye Golf Club with teammate Lyn Lary and achieved the best score, with birdies on 3 holes.
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 against Bill Hallahan in the third inning, helping the American League win the game 4–2.
1933: Braves Finished Fourth in the National League
In 1933, the Boston Braves finished fourth in the National League.
July 13, 1934: 700th Career Home Run
On July 13, 1934, Babe Ruth hit his 700th career home run. Despite this milestone, it was evident that his physical abilities were declining as he played his last full season with the Yankees.
1934: Last Season with the Yankees
1934 marked Babe Ruth's last season with the New York Yankees before he retired.
1934: Hat of Ruth set a record
A hat of Babe Ruth's from the 1934 season set a record for a baseball cap when David Wells sold it at auction for $537 thousand in 2012.
1934: Barnstorming Tour of the Far East
During the 1934-35 offseason, Babe Ruth and his wife went on a barnstorming tour of the Far East. At the final stop in the United Kingdom during 1934, Ruth was introduced to cricket but lost interest after learning about the low salaries of even the best batsmen.
1934: Declined Newark Bears Management Position
In 1934, just before the season, Babe Ruth declined an offer from Ruppert to manage the Yankees' top minor-league team, the Newark Bears, due to the advice of his wife, Claire, and business manager, Christy Walsh.
1934: Braves Finished Fourth in the National League
In 1934, the Boston Braves finished fourth in the National League.
1934: Desire to Manage the Yankees
Throughout the 1934 season, Babe Ruth openly expressed his desire to manage the Yankees. However, the Yankees' owner continued to support the current manager. By the end of the season, Ruth hinted at retirement if he wasn't named manager.
February 26, 1935: Trade to the Boston Braves
On February 26, 1935, the Yankees traded Babe Ruth to the Boston Braves. Along with playing, Ruth was to become a team vice president, consulted on club transactions, and assistant manager. There were also promises of profit sharing and potential co-ownership.
May 25, 1935: Final Game with Three Home Runs
On May 25, 1935, in a game against Pittsburgh, Babe Ruth went 4-for-4, including three home runs, but the Braves lost 11–7. The last home run was his final career home run, sailing out of Forbes Field. Ruth retired shortly after.
1936: Election to Baseball Hall of Fame
In 1936, Babe Ruth was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame as one of its "first five" inaugural members, solidifying his legacy as a baseball legend.
1936: Potential Managerial Position
In 1936, there was possibility of Babe Ruth succeeding Bill McKechnie as manager of the Boston Braves.
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.
1938: Hired as First Base Coach for Dodgers
In 1938, Babe Ruth was hired as the first base coach for the Brooklyn Dodgers. His role was primarily ceremonial, with limited responsibilities, and he was not considered for the manager's job.
July 4, 1939: Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day
On July 4, 1939, Babe Ruth spoke at Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day at Yankee Stadium, honoring the retiring first baseman. A sellout crowd and members of the 1927 Yankees team attended.
1944: Death of Judge Landis
Judge Landis, the commissioner of baseball, died in 1944. Happy Chandler became the new commissioner.
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.
1946: Final Attempt for a Job in Baseball
In 1946, Babe Ruth made a final effort to gain a job in baseball by contacting the new Yankees boss, but he was ultimately rejected.
1946: Illness with nasopharyngeal cancer
In 1946, Babe Ruth was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer, which he battled for two years before his death.
1946: Red Sox Pennant Win
The Red Sox did not win another pennant until 1946 after winning five of the first 16 World Series between 1903 and 1919.
April 27, 1947: Babe Ruth Day
On April 27, 1947, Happy Chandler, the new commissioner of baseball, proclaimed Babe Ruth Day around the major leagues. The most significant observance was at Yankee Stadium where Ruth addressed a crowd of almost 60,000.
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: Experimental Cancer Treatment
In 1947, Babe Ruth underwent experimental cancer treatment with pterolyl triglutamate (Teropterin) and showed dramatic improvement during the summer. He also 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 six weeks he returned to New York to appear at a book-signing party.
June 5, 1948: Visit to Yale University
On June 5, 1948, a gaunt and hollowed-out Babe Ruth visited Yale University to donate a manuscript of The Babe Ruth Story to its library, meeting 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, after which he returned to the hospital for the final time.
August 16, 1948: Babe Ruth's Death
On August 16, 1948, George Herman "Babe" Ruth passed away. He was a celebrated American professional baseball player with a 22-season career in Major League Baseball (MLB).
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.
1961: Ruth's World Series Record Broken
In 1961, Whitey Ford broke Babe Ruth's World Series record of 29+2⁄3 consecutive scoreless innings.
1965: Yankees Losing Record
In 1965, the Yankees experienced their first season with a losing record since 1925.
1968: Special Baseball Records Committee Rules
In 1968, the Special Baseball Records Committee unanimously ruled that a Ruth triple from July 8, 1918, should be counted as a home run, but in 1969, the committee reversed this decision.
1969: Baseball's Greatest Player Ever
In 1969, Babe Ruth was named baseball's Greatest Player Ever in a ballot commemorating the 100th anniversary of professional baseball.
1969: Special Baseball Records Committee Reverses Decision
In 1969, the Special Baseball Records Committee reversed the 1968 decision to count a Ruth triple from July 8, 1918 as a home run.
1973: Increase in Public Interest in Ruth
At least five books were written about Babe Ruth in 1973 to capitalize on the increase in public interest as Hank Aaron approached his career home run mark.
April 8, 1974: Hank Aaron Breaks Home Run Record
Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth's career home run record on April 8, 1974.
1974: Renovation of Yankee Stadium
From 1974 to 1975, Yankee Stadium was remodeled, resulting in the outfield fences moving inward and enclosing the monuments from the playing field.
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.
1975: Renovation of Yankee Stadium
From 1974 to 1975, Yankee Stadium was remodeled, resulting in the outfield fences moving inward and enclosing the monuments from the playing field.
1978: Ron Guidry Ties Ruth's Shutout Record
In 1978, Ron Guidry tied Babe Ruth's 1916 league record for left-handers with nine shutouts in a single season.
1980: Juanita Jennings' Confession
In 1980, Juanita Jennings, while very ill, admitted to Dorothy and her sister Julia that Dorothy was Ruth's biological child from their affair.
1983: Honored with a Stamp
In 1983, the United States Postal Service honored Babe Ruth with a twenty-cent stamp.
1991: Shore's Feat Amended
In 1991, Major League Baseball's Committee on Statistical Accuracy amended Ernie Shore's 1917 performance to be listed as a combined no-hitter rather than a perfect game.
1993: Most Recognized Athlete in America
In 1993, the Associated Press reported that Muhammad Ali was tied with Babe Ruth as the most recognized athlete in America.
1995: Ruth Estate Licenses Likeness
In 1995, Babe Ruth's estate licensed his likeness for use in an advertising campaign for Baby Ruth.
1998: Ranked as Baseball's Greatest Player
In 1998, The Sporting News ranked Babe Ruth number one on the list of "Baseball's 100 Greatest Players".
1998: Autopsy Review
In 1998, a physician reviewed Babe Ruth's autopsy and concluded that Ruth's lifelong use of tobacco "probably played a part" in his cancer.
1999: Statements by Ruth's Family
In 1999, Babe Ruth's granddaughter and daughter, stated that Ruth was deeply hurt and depressed by his inability to land a managerial role with the Yankees.
1999: Charlie Devens Interview
In 1999, Charlie Devens, Babe Ruth's surviving teammate from the 1932 World Series, was interviewed about the "called shot" incident during Game Three against the Chicago Cubs. Devens stated that he did not believe Ruth intended to indicate where he planned to hit the ball.
1999: Julia Ruth Stevens' Recount
In 1999, Julia Ruth Stevens recounted the reason Babe Ruth was sent to St. Mary's Industrial School for Boys was because George Sr., Ruth's father, ran out of ideas to discipline and mentor his son.
1999: 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. The Associated Press also named Ruth the greatest athlete of the 20th century in 1999.
December 2, 2004: Yankee Stadium Bat Sold at Auction
On December 2, 2004, the bat with which Babe Ruth hit the first home run at Yankee Stadium fetched $1.265 million at auction.
2004: Red Sox World Series Win
The Red Sox did not win another World Series until 2004 after winning five of the first 16 World Series between 1903 and 1919. The drought was attributed in baseball superstition to Frazee's sale of Ruth, dubbed the "Curse of the Bambino".
2005: Baby Ruth Official Candy Bar of MLB
In 2005, Baby Ruth became the official candy bar of Major League Baseball.
2005: Longest World Series Game Surpassed
In 2005, another game of the same length was played, ending Babe Ruth's Game 2 of the 1916 World Series record as the longest World Series game.
2006: Ruth's Popularity
In 2006, Montville stated that more books have been written about Babe Ruth than any other member of the Baseball Hall of Fame and that Ruth is probably even more popular today than he was then.
2008: Replacement of 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 Baseball Cap Sold at Auction
In 2012, Babe Ruth's 1920 Yankees jersey sold for $4.4 million. A hat of Ruth's from the 1934 season also set a record for a baseball cap when David Wells sold it at auction for $537 thousand in 2012.
2017: World Series Ring Sold
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.
2022: New York Mount Rushmore of Sports
In 2022, The Sporting News named Babe Ruth on their "New York Mount Rushmore of Sports".
2022: Bat used by Ruth sold for $1.6 million
In 2022, a bat used by Babe Ruth sold for $1.6 million.
2023: Bat used by Ruth sold for $1.85 million
In 2023, a bat used by Babe Ruth sold for $1.85 million.
2024: Ruth's Records Still Stand
As of 2024, Ruth's 177 runs scored, 119 extra-base hits, and 457 total bases from the 1921 season still stand as modern-era records.
2024: Ruth's 1922 Contract Value
Babe Ruth's $52,000 per year contract in 1922 is equivalent to $980,000 in 2024.
2024: Ruth's Alleged Gambling Losses
During the offseason, Babe Ruth reportedly lost the equivalent of $620,000 in 2024 betting on horse races in Havana, Cuba.
2024: "Called Shot" Jersey Sold for Record Amount
In 2024, The jersey Ruth wore when hitting his "called shot" home run in the 1932 World Series sold for a record $24 million.
2025: Ruth's salary margin record
As of 2025, Ruth's 1930 salary was more than 2.4 times greater than the next-highest salary that season, a record margin.
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