How Babe Ruth Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

How the contributions of Babe Ruth continue to shape the world today.

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

1903: Beginning of Red Sox World Series Wins

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

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.

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: 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.

1927: Ruth faces Tom Zachary

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

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.

1946: Red Sox win another pennant

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

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.

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.

1983: United States Postal Service honored Ruth

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

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: 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.

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.