Babe Ruth

Babe Ruth was an American professional baseball player whose Major League Baseball career ran from 1914 to 1935.

Babe Ruth was an American professional baseball player whose Major League Baseball career ran from 1914 to 1935. Born George Herman Ruth Jr., he became famous as a power hitter for the New York Yankees and is one of the most celebrated figures in baseball history.

Who he was

George Herman Ruth Jr. was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on February 6, 1895. He began his major league career as a left-handed pitcher with the Boston Red Sox before becoming a legendary outfielder and hitter for the New York Yankees. He also played briefly for the Boston Braves.

Key records and legacy

Ruth hit 714 career home runs, a record that stood until 1974. In 1927, he hit 60 home runs in a single season, a mark that lasted until 1961. His career slugging percentage of .690 remains an all-time MLB record. He was among the first five players elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936.

Why he matters

Ruth transformed baseball through power hitting and helped make the home run central to the sport’s appeal. His popularity made him one of the best-known American athletes of the 20th century. The disputed “called shot” in the 1932 World Series remains part of baseball legend.