Babe Ruth
Babe Ruth was born George Herman Ruth Jr. on February 6, 1895, in Baltimore, Maryland. He is an iconic figure in the history of American baseball. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the greatest sports legends continues to inspire generations of athletes. He faced challenges during his early years, including being sent to St. Mary's Industrial School for Boys for truant behavior. Babe Ruth found solace and purpose in baseball and was introduced to the sport by Brother Matthias, one of the monks at the institution.
Babe Ruth's professional baseball career started with the Baltimore Orioles in 1914. His unparalleled skills quickly caught the attention of the Boston Red Sox, who signed him later that year. During his tenure with the Red Sox, Ruth established himself as an exceptional pitcher, winning 89 games over six seasons. However, it was his prodigious power as a slugger that would later define his legend. After being sold to the New York Yankees in 1920, Ruth transitioned from a pitcher to a full-time outfielder, a move that allowed his batting prowess to fully shine.
Babe Ruth's impact on baseball was transformative. His ability to hit home runs with astonishing frequency changed the game's dynamics, shifting the focus from low-scoring tactical play to high-scoring power hitting. He set numerous records, including 714 career home runs, 2,213 runs batted in, 2,062 bases on balls, and a .690 slugging percentage‚ a sum of which stood for decades. Beyond the statistics, Ruth's larger-than-life personality and love for the game made him a fan favorite. His death on August 16, 1948, marked the end of an era, but his legacy continues to live on, immortalized in the annals of American sports history.