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 whose MLB career spanned from 1914 to 1935. Initially a star left-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, he rose to prominence as a slugging outfielder for the New York Yankees. Ruth is widely regarded as one of the greatest sports heroes in American culture and is considered by many to be the greatest baseball player of all time. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936 as one of its inaugural members.

Sections (6)

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

1920: Yankees Jersey

In 1920, Babe Ruth's Yankees jersey that was later sold for $4.4 million.

1921: Baby Ruth Candy Bar Marketed

In 1921, the Baby Ruth candy bar was first marketed by the Curtiss Candy Company, at the height of the craze over Babe Ruth.

1926: Ruth's Promise to Johnny Sylvester

During the 1926 World Series, Babe Ruth promised Johnny Sylvester, a hospitalized 11-year-old boy, that he would hit a home run for him, and he delivered on that promise. Ruth's salary of $52,000 was far more than any other baseball player, but he made at least twice as much in other income, including $100,000 from vaudeville.

1932: "Called Shot" Jersey Sold

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

August 16, 1948: Death of Babe Ruth

Babe Ruth, a legendary figure in baseball, passed away on August 16, 1948, due to nasopharyngeal cancer. His death marked the end of an era for a player who had become a significant part of American culture.

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.

1983: Honored with US 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: Ruth Estate Licenses Likeness

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

1998: Ranked Greatest Baseball Player

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

1999: Granddaughter comments on managerial rejection

In 1999, Babe Ruth's granddaughter, Linda Tosetti, stated that Ruth felt 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 in the 1932 World Series, was interviewed about the 'called shot' incident, and he did not believe that Ruth intended to indicate where he planned to hit the ball.

1999: Named to All-Century Team

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

December 2, 2004: Home Run 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.

2005: Baby Ruth Official Candy Bar of MLB

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

2012: Yankees Jersey sold for $4.4 million

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

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.