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 celebrated American baseball player who played in MLB from 1914 to 1935. Initially a star left-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, he gained legendary status as a slugging outfielder for the New York Yankees. Widely regarded as one of the greatest sports heroes and baseball players ever, Ruth revolutionized the game with his power hitting and charismatic personality. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936 as one of its first members, solidifying his place in baseball history.

Sections (6)

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

1904: Death of Ruth Cleveland

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

1920: Yankees Jersey Sold for Millions

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

1921: Baby Ruth Candy Bar Marketed

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

1927: Ruth's World Series Ring

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

1927: A Certain September Afternoon

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

1932: "Called Shot" Jersey Sale

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

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

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

August 16, 1948: Babe Ruth's Death

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

April 19, 1949: Unveiling of Monument

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

1969: Greatest Player Ever

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

1973: Increase in Books

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

April 8, 1974: Hank Aaron Breaks Home Run Record

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

1974: Opening of Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum

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

1983: Honored with Postal Stamp

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

1993: Most Recognized Athlete

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

1995: Estate Licenses Likeness for Baby Ruth Ad Campaign

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

1998: Ranked as greatest baseball player

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

1998: Autopsy Review

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

1999: Interview with Charlie Devens

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

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

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

December 2, 2004: Bat Sold for Over a Million

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

2005: Baby Ruth Becomes Official Candy Bar of MLB

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

2006: Ruth's Enduring Popularity

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

2012: Yankees Jersey and Hat Sold

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

2017: World Series Ring Sold for Record Amount

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

2018: Posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom

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