Babe Ruth
By: Jackson Sell
Biography
George Herman "Babe" Ruth was born February 6, 1895 in Baltimore, Maryland. At the age of 7 Ruth was to much of a troublemaker for his busy parents, drinking and taunting police officers. Ruth's family sent him to a Catholic school. At age 19 the law stated that a legal guardian sign his baseball contract in order to play professional baseball, so Jack Dunn became his legal guardian. After playing baseball for 5 seasons with the Red Sox, he won 3 championships. In 1919, Red Sox owner Harry Frazee was having financial troubles so the New York Yankees decided to take on Ruth's very impressive $100,000 contract. After the trade the Red Sox didn't win a World Series until 2004 known as the "Curse of the Bambino." Meanwhile the Yankees won 4 World Series Titles over 15 years. In 1927, he hit 60 home runs a record that Babe Ruth had for 34 years. Ruth was so popular the new Yankee stadium was nicknamed "the House that Ruth built." In all he hit 714 home runs that record stood till Hank Aaron broke it in 1974. Rumors of his large appetite for food, alcohol, and women. As well as spending lots of money, hurt his chances of becoming a baseball manager. On May 25, 1935 Ruth hit three home runs in one game then a week later he retired. Ruth was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1936. He later became a coach of the Brooklyn Dodgers but never became a manager. Known throughout his life as a generous man Ruth spent the last years of his life helping charities. On June 13, 1948 he made one last appearance to Yankee Stadium to celebrate it's 25th Anniversary. On August 16, 1948 sick with cancer Babe Ruth died.
Impact
During his career he set many records, altered teams, cities, and sports, developed a new style of play nicknamed the "Golden Era." Many baseball players began to change their swing to copy Babe Ruth and then the number of home runs increased. Many people feel Babe Ruth was the most influential person for the increase of home runs. In 3 years stolen bases decreased 25% and home runs increased almost 300%. Attendance increased significantly. Many fans acknowledged his as the saving grace of baseball.
Images
Babe Ruth's Swing
Babe Ruth developed a new swing that many players copied. It led to a major increase in home runs.
Called Shot
Babe Ruth's famous called shot.
Baseball Card
Babe Ruth's baseball card.