Full Name : George Herman Babe Ruth
Born : February 6, 1895
Hometown : Baltimore, Maryland
Height : 6'
Weight : 215 lbs
Bats : Left
Throws : Left
Major League Baseball debut : July 11, 1914 for the Boston Red Sox
Family : parents, Kate Schamberger Ruth, George Herman Ruth; Wife, Helen Woodford
Primary Position : OF (Outfielder)
Excellence. That is probably one of the best words to describe one of baseball's most historic figures. George Herman Ruth, Jr. was born on February 6, 1895, in Baltimore, Maryland. George was one of two siblings that survived beyond infancy; the six others that were brought into the world unfortunately died after being born.
Unfortunate for George, his childhood was spent by himself most of the time considering his parents dedicated long hours laboring at their tavern. As a result, he developed an inspiration to take the initiative so that he could achieve his goal of becoming a professional baseball player. After spending 12 years at St. Mary's Industrial School for Boys, the Babe realized that he missed having a father figure since he rarely saw his family. While at school, he met a strong, courageous man known as Brother Mathias. Brother Mathias served as the father figure that George never had, and it was through him that he learned to develop the work ethic necessary to compete as a Major League superstar.
Jack Dunn, one of the best scouts in baseball at the time, was the first to get his hands on the Babe. Dunn offered George a contract to play with the Baltimore Orioles. However, his tenure with the Orioles was short-lived; the Boston Red Sox acquired the rights to Ruth after spending just five months with the Baltimore organization. It didn't take long for Boston fans to get used to Ruth as an everyday pitcher and outfielder. His leadership on the field was considered unmatched, and it was obvious that Ruth had a personality off of the field as well. Next to his desire to scarf down his meals, Ruth was also known as a regular at the local tavern.
Many will remember Ruth as one of the greatest hitters of all time. However, his pitching skills were considered superb as well. One of the most remarkable feats in baseball history was accomplished by Ruth when he pitched 14 innings in game 4 of the 1916 World Series. This accomplishment has been recorded as the longest complete game in Major League Baseball history. His success did not end there. Ruth went on to make several more starts in future World Series and even set a record for consecutive scoreless innings pitched at 29 2/3. Boston fans soon appreciated the presence that their superstar brought to the atmosphere.
Ruth's career took a major turn in 1919 when Boston executives decided to sell him to the New York Yankees for roughly $450,000. This deal has been regarded as one of the biggest mistakes in baseball history, and it started what became known as the Curse of the Bambino. This curse signified the drought that Boston suffered after getting rid of Ruth, a drought that did not bring the Red Sox a World Series until 2004. In 1920, his first year with the Yankees, Ruth belted an astounding 54 home runs. Yankee fans were waiting hours in line to get their hands on a ticket to see The Babe. He helped the organization reach the necessary sales to fund the construction of Yankee Stadium, which was later deemed "The House that Ruth Built."
In Game 3 of the 1932 World Series against the Chicago Cubs, Ruth performed the unthinkable. After already hitting one homer in the game, Ruth pointed his bat towards center field and called his shot. On a 2 balls and 2 strikes count, he belted a homer to deep center field, and it has been said that it was the longest home run ever hit at Wrigley Field.
Regarded as the most phenomenal athlete to play the game, Ruth was inducted into the baseball Hall of Fame in 1936. Unfortunately, a sad turn of events involving throat cancer ended Ruth's life in 1948. He is remembered to this day as one of the most influential athletes to step onto the field. His unique, humorous personality off the field also made fans appreciate his presence. After retiring, he started the Babe Ruth Foundation, which aimed to help disadvantaged children. Evidently a role model during his era, Babe Ruth will always be remembered as a respected performer and an honorable person.
|
|
 |
|
