History of Babe Ruth in Timeline

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'.

1902: Ruth breaks AL single-season record

On July 29th, Babe Ruth broke the AL single-season mark of 16, set by Ralph "Socks" Seybold in 1902.

1903: Beginning of Red Sox World Series Wins

The Red Sox won 5 of the first 16 World Series, played between 1903 and 1919.

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.

1909: Babe Adams' World Series Heroics

In 1909, Babe Adams, a pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, became a World Series hero, highlighting the popularity of the 'Babe' nickname in baseball at the time.

March 7, 1914: First Professional Appearance

On March 7, 1914, Babe Ruth made his first appearance as a professional baseball player in an inter-squad game, playing shortstop and pitching the last two innings of a 15-9 victory. He also hit a home run.

July 11, 1914: Ruth Arrives in Boston and Wins First Game

On July 11, 1914, Babe Ruth arrived in Boston. Also on this day, he reportedly met Helen Woodford and won his first game as a pitcher for the Red Sox, defeating the Cleveland Naps 4-3.

July 30, 1914: Lannin Purchases Providence Grays

On July 30, 1914, Boston Red Sox owner Joseph Lannin purchased the minor-league Providence Grays. To appease fans upset about losing a star player in the deal, Lannin announced that Babe Ruth would be sent to Providence as a replacement, but this was delayed by a waiver claim from the Cincinnati Reds. After discussions, Ruth was allowed to proceed to the minors. Carrigan later said the aim was to win the league championship, not develop Ruth.

August 18, 1914: Ruth Joins Providence Grays

On August 18, 1914, Babe Ruth joined the Providence Grays. Ruth credited Providence manager "Wild Bill" Donovan with teaching him much about pitching. Ruth's time with the Grays was marked by impressive pitching performances.

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.

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 Boston Red Sox. Despite his successful first season, he wasn't slated as a regular starter due to the presence of established left-handed pitchers. However, injuries gave Ruth another chance to start.

August 1915: Warhop concludes MLB career

In August 1915, Jack Warhop concluded his eight-season major league career. While undistinguished, Warhop is notable for being the first major league pitcher to give up a home run to Babe Ruth.

1915: Red Sox Win World Series, Ruth Not Called to Pitch

In 1915, Babe Ruth finished the season with an 18-8 record as a pitcher and a .315 batting average with four home runs. The Red Sox won the AL pennant and the 1915 World Series, but Ruth was not called upon to pitch due to the pitching staff being healthy. Ruth was used as a pinch hitter in Game Five and grounded out. During the season he hit a ball that soared over Grand Avenue, breaking the window of a Chevrolet dealership.

1915: Yankees wear pinstripes

Since 1915, the Yankees had been wearing pinstripes.

1916: Carrigan Retires, Frazee Purchases Red Sox

After the 1916 season, Red Sox player and manager Carrigan retired and returned to Maine, while Harry Frazee, a New York theatrical promoter, purchased the team. Frazee hired Jack Barry as manager.

1916: Ruth Engages in 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 matchups. Ruth went 23-12 for the season, leading the league with a 1.75 ERA and nine shutouts. The Red Sox won the pennant and World Series. Ruth started and won Game 2, 2-1, in 14 innings, which was the longest World Series game until 2005.

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.

1917: Ruth's Suspension and Shore's Near Perfect Game

In 1917, Babe Ruth went 24-13 with a 2.01 ERA. On June 23, Ruth was ejected from a game against Washington for arguing with the umpire and throwing a punch. He was suspended for ten days and fined $100. Ernie Shore relieved Ruth and after the runner was caught stealing, Shore retired all 26 batters he faced. Ruth was used little as a batter that year and hit .325 with two home runs.

1918: 1918 Flu Pandemic

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

1918: Red Sox secure the 1918 title

In 1918, the Boston Red Sox, aided by Harry Frazee's willingness to spend for players, secured the World Series title.

1918: Yankees aggressively purchased players

In 1918, the New York Yankees, under owners Jacob Ruppert and Colonel Tillinghast Huston, aggressively purchased and traded for players to build a winning team.

1918: Red Sox Win World Series, Ruth Wins Two Games

In 1918, the Red Sox faced the Chicago Cubs in the World Series. Babe Ruth pitched and won Game One, a 1-0 shutout. In Game Four, despite injuring his hand, Ruth pitched and contributed a triple to give his team a lead. He was later relieved but remained in the game as a left fielder. The Red Sox won the Series, marking Ruth's third and last World Series pitching victory. Ruth's consecutive scoreless innings record stood for over 40 years.

1918: Ruth Shares Home Run Title

In the war-shortened 1918 season, Babe Ruth primarily played as an outfielder. He hit .300 with 11 home runs, sharing the major league home run title with Tilly Walker of the Philadelphia Athletics. He also had a 13-7 record as a pitcher.

1918: Ruth Ties Career Best Home Run Total

On July 5th and a week later in two consecutive games, Babe Ruth scored 1 home run each raising his season total to 11 tying his career best from 1918.

March 1919: Ruth agrees to three-year contract

In March 1919, Babe Ruth reportedly accepted a three-year contract with the Boston Red Sox for a total of $27,000, following protracted negotiations.

December 26, 1919: Sale of Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees

On December 26, 1919, Harry Frazee, owner of the Boston Red Sox, sold Babe Ruth's contract to the New York Yankees.

1919: Consideration of Ruth's 1920 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, where he hit only 9 of 29 home runs.

1919: Ruth Focuses on Hitting

During the 1919 season, Babe Ruth was used as a pitcher in only 17 of his 130 games and compiled a 9–5 record. After late June, the Red Sox were out of the race, and Ruth concentrated on hitting, drawing people to the ballpark with his home runs.

1919: Frazee produced play My Lady Friends

In 1919, Harry Frazee produced the play "My Lady Friends".

1919: Yankees Aggressively traded players

In 1919, the New York Yankees, under owners Jacob Ruppert and Colonel Tillinghast Huston, aggressively purchased and traded for players to build a winning team.

1919: End of Red Sox World Series wins until 2004

The Red Sox didn't win another World Series until 2004 after winning 5 of the first 16 World Series, played between 1903 and 1919.

January 6, 1920: Deal for Babe Ruth announced

On January 6, 1920, the New York Yankees announced the deal to acquire Babe Ruth after Ruth agreed to fulfill the remaining two years on his contract and was given a $20,000 bonus, payable over two seasons.

April 1920: Yankees Record at the end of April

At the end of April 1920, the Yankees had a 4-7 record.

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.

1920: Payment Due November 1, 1920

As part of the agreement to sell Babe Ruth, $25,000 was due on November 1, 1920.

1920: Ruth's 1920 Yankees jersey sold

In 1920, Babe Ruth wore a Yankees jersey that was later sold for $4.4 million in 2012 (equivalent to $6.05 million in 2024).

1920: Cleveland wins the World Series

In 1920, Cleveland won the World Series.

1920: Barrow hired to replace Harry Sparrow

In 1920, Yankees business manager Harry Sparrow died, and Ruppert and Huston hired Barrow to replace him.

1920: Home Run Altered How Baseball is Played

Prior to 1920, home runs were unusual, but Ruth's penchant for hitting home runs altered how baseball is played.

1921: Barnstorming tour in the Northeast

After the 1921 World Series, Babe Ruth, Bob Meusel, and Bill Piercy participated in a barnstorming tour in the Northeast.

1921: Payment Due November 1, 1921

As part of the agreement to sell Babe Ruth, $25,000 was due on November 1, 1921.

1921: Adoption of Dorothy

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

1921: Ruth Breaks Career Home Run Record

In 1921, Babe Ruth broke Roger Connor's career home run record of 138. He finished the regular season with 59 home runs, batting .378 and with a slugging percentage of .846.

1921: Baby Ruth candy bar marketed

In 1921, the Curtis Candy Company first marketed the Baby Ruth candy bar, claiming it was named after Ruth Cleveland, though it coincided with the height of Babe Ruth's popularity.

1921: Ruth's Home Run Pace

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

1921: Yankees vs. Giants in World Series

In the 1921 World Series, the Yankees played the New York Giants, losing five games to three. Ruth scraped his elbow during Game 2, yet he played in the next three games and pinch-hit in Game Eight.

1921: Ruth's Contract demands

Prior to the 1919 season, Babe Ruth had a contract that would last through 1921, paying him $10,000 a year. He demanded that his salary be doubled.

March 4, 1922: Ruth signs contract

On March 4, 1922, Babe Ruth signed a new contract for three years at $52,000 a year, which was 40% of the team's player payroll.

May 20, 1922: End of suspension for barnstorming

On May 20, 1922, Babe Ruth, Bob Meusel and Bill Piercy's suspension ended for participating in a barnstorming tour after the 1921 World Series.

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.

1922: Payment Due November 1, 1922

As part of the agreement to sell Babe Ruth, $25,000 was due on November 1, 1922.

1922: Giants refuse to renew Yankee's lease

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

1922: Ruth's Disappointing Season

In 1922, despite being named the Yankees' captain, Ruth had a shortened and disappointing season, appearing in 110 games, batting .315 with 35 home runs.

April 18, 1923: Yankee Stadium Opens

Yankee Stadium opened on April 18, 1923, with Babe Ruth hitting the first home run in what was quickly dubbed "the House that Ruth Built".

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: Yankees win AL Pennant and World Series

In 1923, the Yankees dominated the season, securing the AL pennant by a significant 17-game lead. Babe Ruth achieved a career-high .393 batting average and tied for the most home runs in the major leagues with 41. Additionally, Ruth hit 45 doubles, a career-high, and set a major league record with 379 times reaching base. The Yankees faced the Giants in the World Series for the third consecutive year and won the series. Ruth's performance was outstanding with a .368 batting average, eight walks, eight runs scored, three home runs, and a 1.000 slugging percentage, marking the Yankees' inaugural World Series championship in their new stadium.

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.

1924: Yankees battle for pennant, Ruth wins batting title

In 1924, the Yankees, facing injury challenges, contended with the Senators for the pennant. Despite a strong performance in September, they were defeated by the Senators by two games. However, Babe Ruth achieved a .378 batting average and secured his only AL batting title, also leading the league with 46 home runs.

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.

1925: Opening of No, No, Nanette

The musical "No, No, Nanette" opened in 1925, after Harry Frazee had already sold the Red Sox.

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 stellar season and World Series performance

In 1926, Babe Ruth had a remarkable season, batting .372 with 47 home runs and 146 RBIs. The Yankees dominated, securing the pennant by mid-June. In the World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals, Ruth hit three home runs in Game Four, marking a historic achievement. Despite his efforts, including a defensive gem in Game Five, the Yankees lost the series to the Cardinals in a dramatic Game Seven where Ruth was thrown out attempting to steal second.

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: Ruth faces Tom Zachary

In 1927, Babe Ruth faced Tom Zachary on a September afternoon, solidifying his place in American culture.

1927: Ruth's 1927 World Series ring

In 1927, Babe Ruth received a World Series ring, which was later sold by Charlie Sheen for $2 million in 2017.

1927: Yankees' record-breaking season and Ruth's 60 home runs

In 1927, the New York Yankees, known as Murderers' Row, had a historic season, clinching first place on Labor Day, winning a then-AL-record 110 games, and securing the AL pennant by 19 games. Babe Ruth broke his own single-season home run record, hitting his 60th homer on September 30 off Tom Zachary. He finished the season with a .356 batting average, 164 RBIs, and a .772 slugging percentage. The Yankees swept the Pittsburgh Pirates in the World Series.

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.

1928: Yankees' season and Ruth's performance

In 1928, the Yankees started strong but faced challenges due to injuries and inconsistent play. They eventually regained first place and clinched the pennant. Babe Ruth's performance mirrored the team's, with a hot start followed by a slump. He finished the season with 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 after 1928

In 1930, Ruth hit .359 with 49 home runs (his best in his years after 1928).

January 1929: Death of Helen Ruth

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

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: Yankees adopt uniform numbers

Before the 1929 season, the Yankees announced they would wear uniform numbers to help fans identify players. Ruth, batting third, was assigned number 3. The Yankees became the first team to use uniform numbers on both home and away uniforms.

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.

January 7, 1930: Salary negotiations break down

On January 7, 1930, salary negotiations between the Yankees and Babe Ruth failed. Ruth rejected the Yankees' offers and demanded at least $85,000 for three years, leading to a negotiation standoff. Ruth's request was more than the President of the United States’ salary. A compromise was reached, with Ruth settling for two years at $80,000 per year.

1930: Ruth's performance and managerial aspirations

In 1930, Babe Ruth hit .359 with 49 home runs and 153 RBIs, pitching his first game in nine years and securing a complete game victory. However, the Athletics won their second consecutive pennant and World Series, with the Yankees finishing in third place. The manager Shawkey was fired, and Ruth sought the job but did not get it.

1931: Yankees improve, Ruth's performance

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

1932: Ruth's "called shot" home run jersey sold

In 1932, Babe Ruth wore a jersey when hitting his "called shot" home run in the World Series.

1932: Rift with Lou Gehrig

In 1932, a comment made by Lou Gehrig's mother about Claire's treatment of Dorothy led to a seven-year rift between Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.

1932: World Series against the Cubs

In 1932, the Yankees played the World Series against the Cubs. Ruth faced hostile crowds in Chicago, but he hit a memorable home run in Game Three, which has become known as Babe Ruth's called shot. The Yankees ultimately won the game and the series.

1932: Not ready to leave the field.

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 as a baseball player.

1932: Yankees win pennant, Ruth's decreased effectiveness

In the 1932 season, the Yankees won the pennant with a 107-47 record. While Ruth hit .341 with 41 home runs and 137 RBIs, his effectiveness had decreased, and he was sidelined twice due to injuries.

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.

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 and hit the first home run in the game's history, helping the AL win 4–2.

1933: Braves finished fourth in the National League

In 1933, the Braves finished fourth in the National League.

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

On July 13, 1934, Babe Ruth hit his 700th career home run. Despite this milestone, his performance was considered to be declining compared to his previous standards.

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.

1934: Ruth campaigns to become the Yankees manager

In 1934, Babe Ruth openly campaigned to become the Yankees manager, however the Yankee job was never a serious possibility. By the end of the season, Ruth hinted that he would retire unless Ruppert named him manager of the Yankees.

1934: Declined Newark Bears managerial offer

In 1934, Babe Ruth was offered the managerial position of the Yankees' top minor-league team, the Newark Bears, but he declined after being advised against it by his wife and business manager. He also delayed meeting with the Tigers, who were considering him for player-manager, resulting in them hiring someone else.

1934: Braves finished fourth in the National League

In 1934, the Braves finished fourth in the National League.

1934: Ruth's hat from 1934 season

In the 1934 season, Babe Ruth wore a baseball hat that was later sold for $537 thousand in 2012.

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 and assistant manager to skipper Bill McKechnie, with the possibility of becoming co-owner and manager.

May 25, 1935: Last three home runs

On May 25, 1935, Babe Ruth played in the third game of the Pittsburgh series. He went 4-for-4, including three home runs. The final home run sailed out of the park over the right field upper deck–the first time anyone had hit a fair ball completely out of Forbes Field.

1936: Hall of Fame Induction

In 1936, Babe Ruth was one of the first five players elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. However, he was the only one of the five not offered a managerial position.

1936: Potential to succeed McKechnie as manager

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

1937: No managerial offers

By the end of the 1937 season, Babe Ruth still had not received any managerial offers from major league teams, despite his hopes and qualifications.

1938: Hired as Dodgers first base coach

In 1938, Babe Ruth was hired by the Dodgers as a first base coach. His role was primarily to appear on the field in uniform and encourage base runners.

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.

1946: Rejected by the Yankees

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.

1946: Red Sox win another pennant

The Red Sox did not win another pennant until 1946 after the sale of Babe Ruth.

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.

August 16, 1948: Babe Ruth's Death

On August 16, 1948, Babe Ruth passed away from nasopharyngeal cancer, marking the end of a legendary life.

April 19, 1949: Monument Unveiled

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 by Whitey Ford

In 1961, Whitey Ford broke Babe Ruth's World Series record of 29+2⁄3 consecutive scoreless innings, initially set in 1918.

1965: Yankees losing record

In 1965, the Yankees had a losing record, a mark they had not reached since 1925.

1968: Special Baseball Records Committee Ruled Hit as Home Run

In 1968 the Special Baseball Records Committee unanimously ruled that, along with 36 other hits, hit by Ruth on July 8th, 1918 should be considered a home run.

1969: Special Baseball Records Committee Reversed Decision on Hit

In 1969 the Special Baseball Records Committee reversed its decision that, along with 36 other hits, hit by Ruth on July 8th, 1918 should be considered a home run. This decision was based on the perceived importance of preserving Ruth's home run total at 714.

1969: Baseball's Greatest Player Ever

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

1973: Books Capitalizing Increase in Interest

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

April 8, 1974: Aaron Broke Career Home Run Mark

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

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.

1974: Outfield fences move inward

In 1974, the remodel of Yankee Stadium resulted in the outfield fences moving inward and enclosing the monuments from the playing field.

1975: Monument Park

In 1975, the enclosed area around Ruth's monument became known as Monument Park.

1978: Ron Guidry Ties Ruth's Shutout Record

In 1978, Ron Guidry tied Babe Ruth's league record for left-handers with nine shutouts in a single season, initially set in 1916.

1980: Juanita Jennings Admits Ruth's Biological Child

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

1983: United States Postal Service honored Ruth

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

1991: Shore's Feat Amended to Combined No-Hitter

In 1991, Major League Baseball's (MLB) Committee on Statistical Accuracy amended Ernie Shore's 1917 feat to be listed as a combined no-hitter rather than a perfect game.

1993: Tied with Muhammad Ali

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 for Baby Ruth ad campaign

In 1995, the Babe Ruth estate licensed his likeness for use in an advertising campaign for the Baby Ruth candy bar.

1998: The Sporting News Ranked Him Number One

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

1998: Autopsy Review

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

1999: Ruth's surviving teammate interview

In 1999, Charlie Devens, Ruth's surviving teammate in the 1932 World Series game, was interviewed about the 'called shot' incident. Devens didn't think that Ruth intended to indicate where he planned to hit the ball.

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.

1999: Baseball All-Century Team

In 1999, baseball fans named Ruth to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team.

December 2, 2004: Ruth's bat sold at auction

On December 2, 2004, the bat with which Babe Ruth hit the first home run at Yankee Stadium was sold at auction for $1.265 million (equivalent to $2.1059 million in 2024).

2004: Red Sox win the world series

The Red Sox finally won another World Series in 2004, ending the drought attributed to the "Curse of the Bambino".

2005: Baby Ruth becomes official candy bar of MLB

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

2005: Longest World Series Game Record Broken

In 2005, the longest World Series game record was broken, previously held by Babe Ruth, who pitched a 14-inning game in 1916.

2006: Books About Ruth

In 2006, Montville stated that more books have been written about Babe Ruth than any other member of the Baseball Hall of Fame.

2008: New Yankee Stadium

After the 2008 season, Yankee Stadium was replaced with a new Yankee Stadium, and Monument Park was moved to the new venue.

2012: Ruth's Yankees jersey and hat sold

In 2012, Babe Ruth's 1920 Yankees jersey was sold for $4.4 million, and a hat from the 1934 season was sold by David Wells for $537 thousand.

2017: Ruth's 1927 World Series ring sold

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

2018: Ruth awarded 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: The Sporting News Named Ruth

In 2022, The Sporting News named Ruth on their "New York Mount Rushmore of Sports".

2022: Ruth's bat sold

In 2022, one of the bats used by Babe Ruth was sold for $1.6 million.

2023: Another bat used by Ruth sold

In 2023, a bat used by Babe Ruth was sold for $1.85 million.

August 25, 2024: Babe Ruth's called shot jersey sold

On August 25, 2024, Babe Ruth's called shot jersey was sold via Heritage Auctions for a record $24.12 million, making it the most expensive sports collectible in history.

2024: Ruth's Records Still Stand

As of 2024, Ruth's 177 runs scored, 119 extra-base hits, and 457 total bases in the 1921 season still stand as modern-era records.

2024: Ruth's "called shot" jersey sells for record price

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.

2024: Value of $35,000 in 1920s

In the offseason, Ruth spent some time in Havana, Cuba, where he was said to have lost $35,000 (equivalent to $620,000 in 2024) betting on horse races.