Babe Ruth

Babe Ruth

George Herman “Babe” Ruth Jr., or also “The Bambino” and “The Sultan of Swat,” was one of the greatest American sports heroes of all time and is still believed to be one of the greatest baseball players in all of sports history.

Growing up in Baltimore, Maryland, much of Ruth’s childhood is unknown, but he grew up mostly in a reform school and orphanage since age seven. He was also known as a delinquent, but he eventually came under the guidance of the school’s athletic director, who Ruth later praised as his greatest mentor for influencing his own running and hitting styles.

Ruth professionally began his MLB career as a leading left-handed pitcher for The Red Sox. In 1919, Ruth broke the MLB single-season home run record, and it was considered an unusual feat for any player during the 1920s.

Eventually, he left the team for the Yankees, which became known as the 

“Curse of the Bambino.” This superstition by fans rose after the Red Sox sold him over to the Yankees due to controversy and his switch led to Boston experiencing a dry and unsuccessful championship period, lasting 86 years.

However, during his 15 years with the Yankees, the team achieved seven American League pennants and four World Series championships. In 1936, Babe Ruth was honored into the Baseball Hall of Fame for being among its first five inaugural members.

In the final years before his death in 1946, Ruth heavily supported the U.S. in their efforts to win WWII. In 2018, President Donald Trump awarded the legendary baseball player with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.