George Herman “Babe” Ruth, born on February 6, 1895, in Baltimore, Maryland, and passing away on August 16, 1948, in New York City, was an iconic American professional baseball player.
His career in Major League Baseball (MLB) spanned 22 seasons from 1914 to 1935.
Ruth was known for his exceptional talent both as a left-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox and as a slugging outfielder for the New York Yankees.
His achievements include a batting average of .342, 714 home runs, and 2,214 runs batted in.
Ruth’s impact on baseball was profound; he was a key figure in saving the sport from the Black Sox scandal and brought hope to many during the Great Depression.
His popularity and skill transformed the game, setting numerous records that stood for decades.
Ethnicity
Ruth was of German descent. His parents, George Herman Ruth Sr. and Kate Shamberger Ruth, both came from working-class German families.Â
Despite some misconceptions or confusion in popular culture or memory, Ruth was not African American; he was a white American of German heritage.
While there have been speculations and discussions about Ruth’s ethnicity, including claims suggesting he might have had African American ancestry, historical records and genealogy confirm his German roots.
Babe Ruth career
Ruth had a remarkable career in Major League Baseball (MLB) that spanned from 1914 to 1935.
He began his journey as a left-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, showcasing his exceptional talent both on the mound and at the plate.
Ruth’s transition to the outfield was swift due to his extraordinary hitting abilities, where he set records for home runs and RBIs.
In 1920, she was sold to the New York Yankees for $100,000, a move that altered baseball history.
With the Yankees, he became a cultural icon known as The Sultan of Swat and The Bambino.
Ruth’s hitting prowess was unparalleled; he set numerous records, including most home runs in a season (60 in 1927) and career home runs (714).
Ruth’s impact extended beyond mere statistics; he was adored by fans for his charismatic personality and passion for the game.
Throughout his career, he led the American League in home runs 12 times, slugging percentage 13 times, and various other offensive categories multiple times.
After retiring in 1935 following a partial season with the Boston Braves, Ruth left an indelible mark on baseball history with remarkable statistics: 714 home runs, 2,873 hits, a .342 batting average, and numerous accolades.
His legacy not only reshaped baseball but also cemented his status as one of the greatest athletes in American sports history.
Impact on baseball
Ruth’s impact on baseball was profound and transformative, marking a significant shift in the game’s dynamics and popularity.
During the early 20th century, baseball was in the “dead-ball era,” characterized by a focus on small ball tactics like stolen bases and strategic hits.
However, Ruth’s emergence as a powerful hitter revolutionized the sport.
His hitting prowess, especially his record-breaking home runs, led to a surge in fan enthusiasm and attendance at games.
Ruth’s transition from a pitcher to a full-time outfielder with exceptional hitting skills changed the style of play from a grind-it-out approach to one of power and high-scoring games.
His ability to hit home runs at an unprecedented rate set new standards in baseball, inspiring other players to adopt his full-swing hitting technique.
The increase in runs scored and home runs, coupled with decreased stolen bases, reflected the evolving approach to the game influenced by Ruth’s performance.
Moreover, Ruth’s popularity transcended mere statistics; he became an American icon and a symbol of hope during challenging times like the Great Depression.
His impact extended beyond the field, shaping the way baseball was played and perceived for generations to come.Â
Ruth’s legacy as a game-changer in baseball history remains unparalleled, solidifying his status as one of the greatest figures in sports and American culture.