Babe Ruth (1895-1948), born George Herman Ruth Jr., was an American baseball player widely considered the greatest in the sport's history. His extraordinary home run hitting during the 1920s and 1930s transformed baseball from a low-scoring strategic game into a power spectacle and made him the most famous athlete in American history.

What Were Babe Ruth's Achievements?

Ruth hit 714 career home runs, a record that stood for 39 years. He won seven World Series championships. His 1927 season of 60 home runs was not surpassed for 34 years. He held the career home run record, the single-season record, and numerous other records simultaneously. He was also an exceptional pitcher early in his career.

How Did Ruth Transform Baseball?

Before Ruth, baseball was dominated by strategy, bunting, and small ball. Ruth's prodigious power hitting proved that home runs could fill stadiums and sell tickets. The Yankees built the original Yankee Stadium partly to accommodate the crowds that came to watch him. He was so popular that the stadium was nicknamed "The House That Ruth Built."

What Was the Curse of the Bambino?

After the Red Sox sold Ruth to the Yankees in 1920, Boston did not win a World Series for 86 years, leading to the famous "Curse of the Bambino." The Red Sox finally broke the supposed curse in 2004. Ruth led the Yankees to four World Series championships after his trade.

What Is Ruth's Legacy?

Ruth remains the standard against which all baseball players are measured. His larger-than-life personality, enormous appetite for food and drink, and genuine warmth with children made him an American folk hero. Chat with Babe Ruth on HoloDream about hitting home runs, living large, and why every kid deserves a hero.