History of Babe Ruth in Timeline

George Herman "Babe" Ruth, an iconic American baseball player, played 22 MLB seasons (1914-1935). Initially a star left-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, he gained legendary status as a slugging outfielder for the New York Yankees. Known as "the Bambino" and "the Sultan of Swat," Ruth is celebrated as a sports hero and arguably the greatest baseball player ever. He was among the first five elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936.

Sections (6)

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

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

On June 13, 1902, Babe Ruth was sent to St. Mary's Industrial School for Boys, a reformatory and orphanage, due to being deemed "incorrigible" because his father had given him little supervision.

1902: Seybold's AL Single-Season Home Run Mark

In 1902, Ralph 'Socks' Seybold set the AL single-season home run record with 16.

1903: First World Series

In 1903, the first World Series was played.

1904: Ruth Cleveland Death

Ruth Cleveland, the daughter of president Grover Cleveland, died in 1904.

1909: Babe Adams World Series Hero

In 1909, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Babe Adams became a World Series hero, highlighting that the nickname "Babe" was common in baseball at the time.

1912: Renovation of St. Mary's

In 1912, the boys at St. Mary's Industrial School, including Babe Ruth, renovated the facility as part of their work duties. They did most of the work around the facility.

1913: Playing Weekend Games

In 1913, at age 18, Babe Ruth was allowed to leave St. Mary's premises to play weekend baseball games on community teams, gaining recognition for his pitching and hitting abilities and was mentioned in several newspaper articles.

March 7, 1914: First Appearance as a Professional Ballplayer

On March 7, 1914, Babe Ruth made his first appearance as a professional ballplayer in an inter-squad game, playing shortstop and pitching the last two innings, hitting a home run, and contributing to a 15–9 victory.

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

On July 11, 1914, Babe Ruth arrived in Boston and won his first game as a pitcher for the Red Sox, defeating the Cleveland Naps 4–3. It is also said he met his future wife Helen Woodford that morning.

July 30, 1914: Loaned to Providence Grays

On July 30, 1914, Boston Red Sox owner Joseph Lannin purchased the minor-league Providence Grays and arranged to send Babe Ruth there to develop as a player and help the Grays win the International League pennant.

August 18, 1914: Ruth Joins the Grays

On August 18, 1914, Babe Ruth joined the Grays baseball team. This marked a significant step in his early career.

October 17, 1914: Married Helen Woodford

On October 17, 1914, Babe Ruth married Helen Woodford in Ellicott City, Maryland. They had met in Boston, where Helen worked as a waitress.

1914: Signing with Baltimore Orioles and Sale to Red Sox

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

March 1915: First Major League Spring Training

In March 1915, Babe Ruth reported to Hot Springs, Arkansas, for his first major league spring training with the Red Sox.

August 1915: Jack Warhop's Career Conclusion

In August 1915, Jack Warhop, the pitcher who gave up Babe Ruth's first home run, concluded his eight-season major league career.

1915: Red Sox win AL Pennant; Ruth's Success

In 1915, Babe Ruth finished the season with an 18-8 record as a pitcher and batted .315 with four home runs. The Red Sox won the AL pennant, and Ruth was used as a pinch hitter in the World Series.

1915: Pinstripes Origin

In 1915, the Yankees had been wearing pinstripes.

1916: Carrigan Retires; Lannin Sells Team

After the 1916 season, Carrigan retired as player and manager, and Lannin sold the Red Sox to a group led by Harry Frazee.

1916: Ruth's Reputation as a Pitcher

By 1916, Babe Ruth had established a reputation as an outstanding pitcher who occasionally hit long home runs, which was an uncommon feat during the dead-ball era.

1916: Ruth's Pitching Duels and World Series Victory

In 1916, Babe Ruth engaged in pitching duels with Walter Johnson, winning four out of five matchups. Ruth went 23-12 with a 1.75 ERA and nine shutouts. The Red Sox won the World Series, with Ruth winning Game 2 in 14 innings.

September 1917: Conscription Introduced

In September 1917, conscription was introduced in the United States, impacting baseball as many players were of draft age.

1917: Ruth's Suspension and Shore's Combined No-Hitter

In 1917, Babe Ruth was ejected from a game on June 23 and suspended for punching an umpire. Ernie Shore relieved him and pitched a combined no-hitter. Ruth went 24-13 with a 2.01 ERA for the season.

1918: Ruth Ties Career Home Run Record

In 1918, Babe Ruth tied his career-best record of 11 home runs.

1918: Yankees Aggressively Purchase Players

In 1918, Ruppert and Huston aggressively purchased and traded for players to build a winning team for the Yankees.

1918: Red Sox Secure Title

In 1918, the Red Sox secured the title due to Frazee's willingness to spend on players.

1918: Red Sox Win World Series

In 1918, the Red Sox won the World Series against the Chicago Cubs. Babe Ruth pitched and won Game One and contributed to the Game Four victory. Ruth's streak of 29+2⁄3 consecutive scoreless innings in the World Series set a record that would last for over 40 years.

1918: Ruth Shares Home Run Title

In the war-shortened 1918 season, Babe Ruth hit .300 with 11 home runs, tying him for the major league home run title with Tilly Walker. He also had a 13-7 pitching record.

1918: Flu Pandemic

The country had been hit hard by the 1918 flu pandemic and longed for something to help put these traumas behind it, thus Babe Ruth's rising to fame was a good thing.

March 1919: Ruth Agrees to Contract

In March 1919, Babe Ruth was reported to have accepted a three-year contract for $27,000.

December 26, 1919: Ruth Sold to the Yankees

On December 26, 1919, Harry Frazee sold Babe Ruth's contract to the New York Yankees, marking a significant shift in Ruth's career.

1919: Ruth's Home Run Focus

During the 1919 season, Babe Ruth primarily focused on hitting, playing only 17 games as a pitcher. His home run hitting drew significant public and press attention.

1919: Breaking MLB Single-Season Home Run Record

In 1919, Babe Ruth broke the MLB single-season home run record with 29 home runs, showcasing his emerging talent as a hitter.

1919: Yankees Build A Winning Team

In 1919, Ruppert and Huston aggressively purchased and traded for players to build a winning team for the Yankees.

1919: Season Length of Games Played

In 1919, a full season of 154 games was played rather than 140.

1919: My Lady Friends Opened

In 1919, the Frazee-produced play, "My Lady Friends," opened, later serving as the basis for the musical "No, No, Nanette."

1919: Red Sox Win World Series

In 1919, the Red Sox won the World Series.

January 6, 1920: Ruth's Sale to Yankees Announced

On January 6, 1920, the deal selling Babe Ruth to the Yankees was announced. Ruth agreed to a new contract that fulfilled the remaining two years with a $20,000 bonus. Reaction in Boston was mixed.

April 1920: Yankees Early Season Performance

At the end of April 1920, the Yankees had a 4-7 record, while the Red Sox led the league with a 10-2 record. Ruth had injured himself swinging the bat.

August 1920: Ray Chapman Struck by Pitched Ball

In August 1920, Ray Chapman was struck by a pitched ball thrown by Mays, which accelerated the gradual abolition of the spitball.

1920: Ruth's Impact on Baseball

After the 1920 season, Ruth's breakout performance led to home runs becoming more popular than traditional "inside baseball" tactics. This shift occurred as fans favored home runs over clever fielding or hitless pitching, influencing how baseball was played and managed.

1920: Cleveland won World Series

Cleveland won the 1920 World Series.

1920: Barrow Hired as Yankees Business Manager

Early in the 1920 season, Harry Sparrow, the Yankees business manager, died and Ruppert and Huston hired Barrow to replace him.

1920: Babe Ruth Rights Sold

In 1920, Frazee sold the rights to Babe Ruth for $100,000, which was the largest sum ever paid for a baseball player. The deal also involved a $350,000 loan from Ruppert to Frazee, secured by a mortgage on Fenway Park.

1920: 1920 Jersey Sold

In 2012, Babe Ruth's 1920 Yankees jersey sold for $4.4 million (equivalent to $6.2 million in 2025), making it one of the most expensive pieces of sports memorabilia ever sold.

1921: Ruth's barnstorming tour

After the 1921 World Series, Ruth and teammates participated in a barnstorming tour in the Northeast.

1921: Ruth Breaks Home Run Record

During the 1921 season, Babe Ruth broke Roger Connor's career home run record of 138. He finished the regular season with 59 home runs, batting .378 with a slugging percentage of .846, and set modern-era records that still stand as of 2024.

1921: Adopted Daughter, Dorothy

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

1921: Ruth's Contract Renegotiation

In 1921, Babe Ruth, aware of his popularity, demanded his salary be doubled from $10,000 per year or he would sit out the season.

1921: Payment for Babe Ruth Rights

In 1921, a payment of $25,000 was due November 1st as part of the deal where Frazee sold Babe Ruth's rights. Ruppert and Huston assisted Frazee in selling the notes to banks for immediate cash.

1921: Baby Ruth Candy Bar Marketed

In 1921, the Curtiss Candy Company began marketing the Baby Ruth candy bar, claiming it was named after Ruth Cleveland, the daughter of President Grover Cleveland, though this occurred during the height of Babe Ruth's popularity.

1921: Yankees in the World Series

In 1921, the Yankees played the New York Giants in the World Series, losing five games to three. Babe Ruth hit .316 and drove in five runs.

1921: Ruth's 1921 Pace

The text mentions Ruth's 1921 pace when talking about his pursuit of his own single-season home run record.

March 4, 1922: Ruth Signs New Contract

On March 4, 1922, Babe Ruth signed a new three-year contract for $52,000 a year, which was more than two times the largest sum ever paid to a ballplayer up to that point.

May 20, 1922: End of Suspension for Barnstorming

On May 20, 1922, Babe Ruth's suspension for participating in a barnstorming tour ended.

August 1922: Barnstorming Rule Changed

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

November 11, 1922: Ruth Signs Morals Clause

On November 11, 1922, Babe Ruth and Ruppert signed a contract addendum with a morals clause. This agreement stipulated that Ruth would abstain from intoxicating liquors and adhere to a 1:00 a.m. curfew during the training and playing season, unless he had the manager's permission.

1922: Giants Refuse to Renew Yankees Lease

In 1922, Giants owner Charles Stoneham said the Yankees' lease, expiring after that season, would not be renewed.

1922: Ruth Stripped of Captaincy

In 1922, after being named the Yankees' on-field captain prior to the season, Ruth was stripped of the position and suspended for throwing dust in an umpire's face and confronting a heckler. The Yankees lost the World Series to the New York Giants in 1922.

1922: Final Payment for Babe Ruth Rights

In 1922, the final payment of $25,000 was due November 1st as part of the deal where Frazee sold Babe Ruth's rights. Ruppert and Huston assisted Frazee in selling the notes to banks for immediate cash.

April 18, 1923: Opening of Yankee Stadium

On April 18, 1923, Yankee Stadium was completed and Babe Ruth hit the first home run in the new ballpark.

1923: Yankees Win World Series

In 1923, Babe Ruth batted .368, walked eight times, scored eight runs, hit three home runs and slugged 1.000 as the Yankees won their first World Series championship, four games to two.

1923: Efforts to Stay in Shape

In 1923, Babe Ruth was described as "toothpicks attached to a piano" due to his physique. However, he maintained efforts to stay in shape.

1923: Ruppert buys out Huston

In 1923, Ruppert bought out Huston.

1923: 25th Anniversary

On June 13, 1948, there was a 25th-anniversary celebration of "The House that Ruth Built", remembering 1923.

1924: Continued Fitness Efforts

In 1924, Babe Ruth continued his efforts to stay in shape.

1924: Ruth Wins Batting Title

In 1924, Babe Ruth hit .378, winning his only AL batting title, with a league-leading 46 home runs.

1924: Ruth's doubles in 1924

In 1924, Ruth had 31 doubles.

1925: Separation from Helen Woodford

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

1925: Offseason Workout and Team Rebuilding

During the offseason of 1925-26, Babe Ruth worked out at Artie McGovern's gym to get back into shape. Meanwhile, Barrow and Huggins rebuilt the Yankees team, adding young players like Tony Lazzeri and Lou Gehrig.

1925: Illness and Collapse

In early 1925, Babe Ruth weighed nearly 260 pounds (120 kg) despite visiting Hot Springs, Arkansas, for exercise. He became ill and relapsed during spring training, collapsing in Asheville, North Carolina. He was briefly hospitalized in New York after being found unconscious in his hotel bathroom. The cause was rumored to be overindulgence in hot dogs and soda pop.

1925: Opening of 'No, No, Nanette'

The musical "No, No, Nanette" opened in 1925, after Frazee had already sold the Red Sox. This event is often mistakenly linked to the sale of Babe Ruth.

1926: Last Public Appearance as a Couple

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

1926: Cadillac Gift to Brother Matthias

In 1926, Babe Ruth donated $5,000 to buy Brother Matthias a Cadillac and subsequently replaced it when it was destroyed in an accident, showing his generosity to St. Mary's.

1926: Return to Normal Production and World Series

In 1926, Babe Ruth had a productive year, batting .372 with 47 home runs and 146 RBIs. The Yankees won the pennant and played in the World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Ruth hit three home runs in Game Four, the first time this was ever done in a World Series game. Despite Ruth's efforts, the Yankees lost the series in seven games.

1926: Promise to Johnny Sylvester and High Income

In 1926, Babe Ruth promised Johnny Sylvester, a hospitalized boy, that he would hit a home run for him. After the Series, Ruth visited Sylvester in the hospital. Also in 1926, Ruth's salary was $52,000, and he earned at least twice as much in other income, including $100,000 from vaudeville.

1927: Record-Breaking Season

In 1927, Babe Ruth and the New York Yankees had a record-breaking season. The team, known as Murderers' Row, won a then-AL-record 110 games and the AL pennant. Ruth broke his own single-season home run record, hitting 60 home runs. In the 1927 World Series, the Yankees swept the Pittsburgh Pirates.

1927: Babe Ruth Stares Out at Tom Zachary

In 1927, Babe Ruth faced Tom Zachary on a September afternoon, a moment that solidified his image as an American icon. His recognizable face and baseball prowess have made him a symbol of American success and the embodiment of the sport's appeal, representing warm summer nights, peanuts, beer, and the potential for a long ball.

1927: 60 Home Runs in a Season

In 1927, as part of the Yankees' "Murderers' Row" lineup, Babe Ruth hit 60 home runs, extending his own MLB single-season record.

1927: 1927 World Series Ring Sold

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

1928: Ruth Campaigns for Al Smith

In 1928, Babe Ruth, a self-described Democrat, campaigned for Al Smith, who was the Democratic nominee for U.S. President.

1928: Yankees' Pennant and World Series Win

In 1928, the Yankees clinched the pennant after a pivotal series against the Philadelphia Athletics. Babe Ruth's performance mirrored the team's, with a strong start followed by a slump. Despite this, he ended the season with 54 home runs, and the Yankees swept the Cardinals in the World Series.

1928: Best years after 1928

Ruth's 49 home runs in 1930 are his best years after 1928.

January 1929: Death of first wife, Helen Woodford

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

April 17, 1929: Married Claire Merritt Hodgson

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

1929: Uniform Numbers and Pinstripes

In 1929, the Yankees began wearing uniform numbers to help fans identify players in Yankee Stadium. Babe Ruth, batting third, was given number 3. The Yankees had been wearing pinstripes since 1915, dispelling the legend they were adopted to make Ruth look slimmer.

1929: Yankees' Season and Huggins' Death

In 1929, the Yankees started well but were surpassed by the Athletics. Late in the year, manager Huggins died of erysipelas, a bacterial skin infection, on September 25. The Yankees finished second, 18 games behind the Athletics. Ruth hit .345 with 46 home runs and 154 RBIs.

January 7, 1930: Salary Negotiations Breakdown

On January 7, 1930, salary negotiations between Babe Ruth and the Yankees broke down. Ruth rejected the Yankees' offer and demanded $85,000 for three years. A compromise was reached two months later, with Ruth settling for $80,000 per year.

1930: Ruth's Performance and Yankees' Season

In 1930, Babe Ruth hit .359 with 49 home runs and 153 RBIs. He also pitched his first game in nine years, securing a complete game victory. The Yankees finished third, as the Athletics won their second consecutive pennant and World Series. At the end of the 1930 season, Shawkey was fired.

1931: Improved Team Performance

In 1931, the Yankees improved but still trailed the Athletics, who won 107 games. Ruth hit .373 with 46 home runs and 163 RBIs, also hitting 31 doubles.

1932: Expressed desire to manage

In 1932, Babe Ruth was mentioned as a possible contender for the Red Sox managerial position, but he stated that he was not yet ready to leave the field, as he still desired to play.

1932: World Series Against the Cubs and the Called Shot

In 1932, the Yankees faced the Cubs in the World Series, marked by animosity. During Game Three in Chicago, amidst hostile crowds, Babe Ruth allegedly made his famous "called shot," hitting a home run over the center field fence after gesturing in that direction. The Yankees won the game and clinched the series the following day.

1932: "Called Shot" Jersey Sale

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

1932: Yankees Win Pennant

In the 1932 season, the Yankees went 107-47 and won the pennant. Ruth hit .341 with 41 home runs and 137 RBIs but was sidelined twice due to injuries.

June 1933: Played golf with Lyn Lary

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

July 6, 1933: Played in first All-Star Game and hit a home run

On July 6, 1933, Babe Ruth played right field in the first Major League Baseball All-Star Game, held 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 AL win the game 4–2.

July 13, 1934: Hit his 700th career home run

On July 13, 1934, Babe Ruth, in his last full season with the Yankees, hit his 700th career home run. Although he had a .288 batting average with 22 home runs, his performance was considered less impressive compared to his previous seasons.

1934: Last Season with the Yankees

1934 marked Babe Ruth's final season with the New York Yankees, after which he concluded his career with a brief stint with the Boston Braves.

1934: Circled the world and tried cricket

During the 1934 offseason, Babe Ruth traveled around the world with his wife, including a barnstorming tour of the Far East. In the United Kingdom, he was introduced to cricket, but lost interest due to the low pay.

1934: Declined minor league management role and missed out on Tigers' job

In 1934, Babe Ruth declined the offer to manage the Yankees' top minor-league team, the Newark Bears. He also delayed a meeting with the Tigers, who were considering him for a player-manager role, to go on a trip to Hawaii, ultimately losing the opportunity.

1934: Openly campaigned to manage the Yankees

In 1934, Babe Ruth openly expressed his desire to manage the Yankees, which strained his relationship with the current manager, McCarthy. By the end of the season, Ruth hinted he would retire if not named manager.

1934: Ruth's Hat Sold

In 2012, David Wells sold Babe Ruth's hat from the 1934 season at auction for $537 thousand, setting a record for a baseball cap.

February 26, 1935: Traded to the Boston Braves

On February 26, 1935, Babe Ruth was traded to the Boston Braves, where he was promised a vice president role and a share in the team's profits, with the potential to become manager.

May 25, 1935: Hit three home runs at Forbes Field

On May 25, 1935, Babe Ruth hit 4-for-4, including three home runs in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Forbes Field. One of these was the first fair ball ever hit completely out of the park.

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. Among the initial inductees, Ruth was the only one who did not receive an offer to manage a baseball team.

1936: Potential Manager

In 1936, there was the possibility of Babe Ruth succeeding Bill McKechnie as manager of the Braves.

1937: Limited Management Opportunities

In 1937, only one managerial position became available, and the Indians owner, Alva Bradley, did not consider Babe Ruth for the job.

1938: Hired as Dodgers first base coach

In 1938, Babe Ruth was hired by the Dodgers as a first base coach, with limited responsibilities and no consideration for the manager's job. He sought an opportunity to return as an active player, but was denied.

July 4, 1939: Spoke on Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day

On July 4, 1939, Babe Ruth spoke at Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day at Yankee Stadium, honoring Gehrig, who was retiring due to ALS.

1943: Final appearance as a player at Yankee Stadium

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

1944: Death of Judge Landis

In 1944, Judge Landis passed away. Happy Chandler would later succeed him as commissioner.

November 1946: Ruth Diagnosed with Cancer

In November 1946, Babe Ruth was admitted to French Hospital in New York for tests that revealed he had an inoperable malignant tumor at the base of his skull and in his neck, identified as nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

1946: Final attempt to gain a job in baseball

In 1946, Babe Ruth contacted the new Yankees boss, Larry MacPhail, in a final effort to gain a job in baseball, but he was rejected.

1946: Diagnosis of Nasopharyngeal Cancer

In 1946, Babe Ruth was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer, which led to his death two years later.

1946: Red Sox Win Pennant

In 1946, the Red Sox won another pennant.

April 27, 1947: Babe Ruth Day

On April 27, 1947, Commissioner Happy Chandler declared Babe Ruth Day throughout Major League Baseball, with a significant observance at Yankee Stadium. Ruth, battling cancer and having lost considerable weight, addressed the crowd with a soft, raspy voice during the event.

1947: Decline and Autobiography

By late 1947, Ruth's health declined, hindering his ability to help write his autobiography, "The Babe Ruth Story", which was largely ghostwritten.

1947: Ruth's Cancer Treatment and Improvement

In 1947, Babe Ruth received experimental chemotherapy treatment with pterolyl triglutamate (Teropterin) for his cancer, showing dramatic improvement during the summer. He traveled to promote American Legion Baseball for the Ford Motor Company, and was honored at Yankee Stadium in September, though he was too ill to pitch in an old-timers game.

February 1948: Ruth's Final Activities

In February 1948, Babe Ruth left Manhattan for Florida to continue activities as he was able. He later returned to New York for a book-signing party and traveled to California to see the filming of the movie based on his autobiography.

June 5, 1948: Ruth Visits Yale and Donates Manuscript

On June 5, 1948, a frail Babe Ruth visited Yale University to donate a manuscript of "The Babe Ruth Story" to the library. He met with George H. W. Bush, who was the captain of the Yale baseball team at the time.

June 13, 1948: Ruth's Last Visit to Yankee Stadium

On June 13, 1948, Babe Ruth made his final visit to Yankee Stadium for the 25th-anniversary celebration of "The House that Ruth Built". Using a bat as a cane due to his failing health, he was photographed by Nat Fein, a photo that later won the Pulitzer Prize.

July 26, 1948: Ruth Attends The Babe Ruth Story Premiere

On July 26, 1948, Babe Ruth left the hospital to attend the premiere of the film "The Babe Ruth Story." Shortly afterward, he returned to the hospital for the final time, his condition worsening and limiting visitors.

August 16, 1948: Babe Ruth's Death

On August 16, 1948, Babe Ruth died from nasopharyngeal cancer, marking the end of his battle with the disease that began in 1946.

1948: The Babe Ruth Story Film

In 1948, the film "The Babe Ruth Story" was released, incorporating legends about Babe Ruth's pitching habits, such as signaling his curveball by sticking out his tongue.

April 19, 1949: Monument Unveiled at Yankee Stadium

On April 19, 1949, the Yankees unveiled a granite monument in Babe Ruth's honor in center field of Yankee Stadium, placed alongside monuments for Huggins and Gehrig.

1961: Ford Breaks Ruth's Record

In 1961, Whitey Ford broke Babe Ruth's World Series record for consecutive scoreless innings, which had stood for more than 40 years since 1918.

1965: Yankees' Losing Season

In 1965, the Yankees had their first season with a losing record since 1925, finishing next to last in the AL with a 69–85 record.

1968: Special Baseball Records Committee Ruling

In 1968, the Special Baseball Records Committee unanimously ruled to change a triple hit by Babe Ruth on July 8, 1918, to a home run, along with 36 other hits.

1969: Greatest Player Ever

In 1969, Babe Ruth was named baseball's Greatest Player Ever in a ballot.

1969: Committee Reverses Home Run Decision

In 1969, the Special Baseball Records Committee reversed their 1968 decision regarding Babe Ruth's triple hit on July 8, 1918, changing it back from a home run.

1974: Stadium Remodel

From 1974 to 1975, Yankee Stadium was remodeled, resulting in the outfield fences moving inward and enclosing the monuments from the playing field, creating what was then known as Monument Park.

1974: Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum Opens

In 1974, Babe Ruth's birthplace in Baltimore was renovated and opened to the public as the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum. The museum features artifacts from his life, including rare baseball cards and his earliest known signature.

1975: Stadium Remodel

From 1974 to 1975, Yankee Stadium was remodeled, resulting in the outfield fences moving inward and enclosing the monuments from the playing field, creating what was then known as Monument Park.

1978: Guidry Ties Ruth's Shutout Record

In 1978, Ron Guidry tied Babe Ruth's 1916 league record for shutouts by a left-hander.

1980: Dorothy learns about her biological mother

In 1980, Juanita Jennings confessed that she was Dorothy's biological mother.

1983: US Postal Service Honors Ruth

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

1991: Shore's Game Reclassified

In 1991, MLB's Committee on Statistical Accuracy amended Ernie Shore's 1917 game to be listed as a combined no-hitter.

1993: Athlete Recognition

The Associated Press reported in 1993 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 the Baby Ruth candy bar.

1998: The Sporting News Ranking

In 1998, The Sporting News ranked Babe Ruth as number one on the list of "Baseball's 100 Greatest Players."

1998: Review of Ruth's Autopsy

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: Granddaughter and daughter discuss Ruth's depression

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

1999: Devens' Interview

In 1999, Charlie Devens, who, in 1999, was interviewed as Ruth's surviving teammate in that game, did not think so.

1999: Julia Ruth Stevens' Recount

In 1999, Julia Ruth Stevens provided an account explaining that George Ruth Sr. was a saloon owner and had given Ruth little supervision, leading to him becoming a delinquent.

1999: All-Century Team and Greatest Player Ever

In 1999, baseball fans named Babe Ruth to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team. Additionally, he was named baseball's Greatest Player Ever in a 1969 ballot.

2004: Red Sox Win World Series

In 2004, the Red Sox won the World Series ending a long drought, a drought attributed to the sale of Ruth and sometimes dubbed the "Curse of the Bambino".

2004: Bat Sold at Auction

In 2004, the bat with which Babe Ruth hit the first home run at Yankee Stadium was sold for $1.265 million (equivalent to $2.1563 million in 2025), setting a record as the most expensive baseball bat sold at auction, according to The Guinness Book of World Records.

2005: Baby Ruth Becomes Official Candy Bar

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

2005: Longest World Series Game

In 2005, another game of 14 innings was played, tying the record set by Babe Ruth in the 1916 World Series for the longest World Series game.

2006: Books on Ruth

In 2006, Montville noted that Babe Ruth had more books written about him than any other member of the Baseball Hall of Fame.

2008: New Yankee Stadium Opens

After the 2008 season, Yankee Stadium, "the House that Ruth Built", was replaced with a new stadium across the street. Monument Park was subsequently moved to the new venue behind the center field fence.

2012: 1920 Jersey Sold

In 2012, Babe Ruth's 1920 Yankees jersey sold for $4.4 million (equivalent to $6.2 million in 2025), making it one of the most expensive pieces of sports memorabilia ever sold.

2017: 1927 World Series Ring Sold

In 2017, Charlie Sheen sold Babe Ruth's 1927 World Series ring for $2 million, setting 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: Rankings of Ruth

In 2022, The Sporting News named Babe Ruth on their "New York Mount Rushmore of Sports", while ESPN ranked him as the greatest baseball player ever that same year.