Fascinating Facts About Baseball Legend Babe Ruth
Babe Ruth, one of the greatest baseball players in history, gained immense popularity during the early-to-mid 1920s. His fame was so significant that newspapers often featured Babe Ruth segments alongside game scores and results. A crucial member of the New Yankees’ Murderers’ Row, let’s delve into some mind-blowing facts about Babe Ruth that you probably didn’t know.
Promising a Home Run for an Ailing Boy
When Babe Ruth learned of an 11-year-old boy named Johnny Sylvester who was hospitalized, he vowed to hit a home run for him during the 1926 World Series. True to his word, Babe Ruth delivered with a homerun in the series’ fifth game. While the media exaggerated this event, it remains a heartwarming tale that captures Babe Ruth’s charisma.
Health Concerns and Controversies
In 1925, Babe Ruth’s health was a major concern. He struggled with weight gain and sickness. Rumors circulated about his demise during his hospitalization in Asheville, North Carolina. This led to a famously coined phrase – “the bellyache heard around the world.”
A Flamboyant Lifestyle Prevented a Managerial Career
Despite his legendary baseball career, Babe Ruth’s flamboyant lifestyle kept him from being recruited as a manager after retirement. Team owners and general managers deemed his unconventional habits and lavish living an ill-fit for the project.
Origins of Babe Ruth’s Nicknames
Babe Ruth, born as George Herman Ruth Jr., gained the nickname “Babe” during his time with Jack Dunn’s minor-league Baltimore Orioles. Alternative theories suggest it was due to his poor manners while eating, but the most widely accepted story is that he was called Dunn’s Babe.
Controversial Transfer to New York Yankees
Babe Ruth’s controversial transfer from Boston Red Sox to the New York Yankees in 1920 divided fans. Although many criticized the Red Sox management for selling their star player, others agreed that Ruth’s unmanageable behavior warranted a change.
Impact on Red Sox Winning History
Between 1903 and 1919, the Red Sox claimed five World Series victories. After Babe Ruth’s departure in 1920, they went winless until 1946. This unfortunate streak led to the baseball superstition known as “the Curse of the Bambino.”
Babe Ruth’s Crowd-Pulling Power
Once Babe Ruth joined the New York Yankees, he singlehandedly drew massive crowds and filled stadiums. His record-breaking performance brought 38,600 fans to the Polo Grounds on May 16, 1920 – an astounding turnout for the era.
Expensive Contracts and Controversies
In 1922, Babe Ruth renewed his contract with the New York Yankees, earning a staggering $52,000 annually. His massive salary represented 40% of the team’s overall payroll and sparked controversy among fans.
Controversial Moments in Babe Ruth’s Career
Despite his impressive baseball career, Babe Ruth had his fair share of controversies. He was suspended for throwing dust at an umpire and confronted a fan in the stands, leading to a loss of captaincy role.
Babe Ruth’s Battle with Cancer
In 1946, Babe Ruth was diagnosed with lymphoepithelioma – an inoperable malignant tumor at the base of his skull. Despite pioneering radiation and drug treatments, Babe Ruth passed away in 1948 at age 53.
Controversy Surrounding Hall of Fame Induction
Despite breaking numerous baseball records, some voters felt that Babe Ruth did not deserve a spot in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. He ultimately became a Hall of Famer, but not unanimously.
