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SatApr 27

Babe Ruth Day – April 27, 2024

Celebrated by baseball fans all over the USA and the world, Babe Ruth Day is on April 27. Babe Ruth was and still is known as one of the best baseball players of all time. From hitting record after record and receiving many accolades, Ruth came to be known as ‘The Colossus of Clout’ and ‘The Sultan of Swat.’ He was a big star and inspiration to many youngsters but, when he was a youngster himself, he was rebellious and would constantly get into trouble. Due to this, he was sent to a Catholic reformatory and orphanage at the age of seven. However, nothing could stop Ruth’s talent as he went on to become one of the greatest baseball players to ever exist.

History of Babe Ruth Day

Babe Ruth Day was first celebrated in 1946. It was inaugurated by Albert B. Chandler, an American politician and Commissioner of Baseball from 1945 to 1951. Ruth was diagnosed with throat cancer in late 1946 after experiencing pain in his eye and having trouble swallowing. The following year, April 27 was declared as Babe Ruth Day. During his treatment, which at the time was not as advanced as it is today, Ruth’s health deteriorated so much that he grew quite thin. When Chandler visited him in the hospital, both wept during the meeting at the player’s waning condition. 

Ruth was born in 1895 in Baltimore, Maryland. His original name was George Herman Ruth Jr. His father job-hopped before finally settling as a counterman at a family-owned business of a grocery shop and saloon. It is reported that after a particularly violent incident at the saloon, the authorities took notice, instantly taking away Ruth from under his parents’ care. He was enrolled in a Catholic orphanage where apart from studying, he learned many skills including carpentry and sewing. Whilst there, he was guided by Brother Matthias who introduced him to baseball. 

Jack Dunn, the owner of the Baltimore Orioles, took notice of Ruth’s baseball skills. He adopted the prodigy, and at 19, Ruth joined Dunn’s team. Whilst there, Ruth came to be known as Dunn’s ‘Babe’ since he was still a minor. As years went by, Ruth rose among the ranks and major leagues, going on to become part of the New York Yankees. The Yankees won 4 World Series with Ruth on their team. Some of Ruth’s records include but are not limited to 714 home runs, 2062 walks, 206 OPS+, etc.

Babe Ruth Day timeline

1914
Ruth Signs with Dunn

Jack Dunn signs on Babe Ruth for his minor league team, Baltimore Orioles.

1923
‘House that Ruth Built’ Inaugurated

The New York Yankees build a new stadium naming it ‘House that Ruth Built’ as the player was extremely significant in the team’s success on the field.

1935
Ruth Retires

After a brief stint with the Boston Braves, Babe Ruth retires from the game for good.

1947
First Babe Ruth Day Celebrated

Babe Ruth visits the ‘House that Ruth Built’ with 58,339 fans cheering him on as he delivers a brief speech.

Babe Ruth Day FAQs

When did Babe Ruth die and why?

On August 16, 1948, George Herman “Babe” Ruth died in New York City, after losing the battle to cancer. His body was kept at the Yankee Stadium for two days for fans to pay their last respects, after which he was buried in Hawthorne, New York. 

What Babe Ruth cards are worth money?

The 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth #53, 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth #144, 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth #149, and 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth #181 are some Babe Ruth cards worth a lot of money today.

What was Babe Ruth's net worth when he died?

“Babe Ruth was an American professional baseball player who had a net worth of $800 thousand at the time of his death. That’s the same as around $8.5 million after adjusting for inflation,” claims Celebrity Net Worth.

Babe Ruth Day Activities

  1. Play a baseball game

    What better way to honor Babe Ruth than by playing baseball? During his last speech to the public, Ruth stated that the single most amazing game in the world was and is baseball. So, bring out the baseball bat and ball, and get playin’!

  2. Hit a few Ruth styles

    Try some Babe Ruth baseball styles. You will come to appreciate the man and the mind behind the styles that propelled the Yankees onto the world stage.

  3. Read up on Babe Ruth

    Research about the man on and off the field. Oftentimes, the real person is lost in the limelight. For example, while he was a great player, did you know that he was also a great tailor? That’s right, Babe Ruth knew how to sew, and he would often be seen mending his collars all by himself.

5 Facts About Baseball That Will Blow Your Mind

  1. WW2 impact on baseball

    WW2 led to some significant changes being made to baseball rules.

  2. Yankees with the most records

    The New York Yankees have 27 Hall of Famers, the highest number of any MLB teams.

  3. Baseball invented in the 1800s

    The Knickerbocker Rules were employed first when baseball was invented back in the 1800s.

  4. Civil war pastime

    After the American civil war ended, baseball was nicknamed Americans’ favorite national pastime.

  5. Killer pitched ball

    The only MLB player killed by a pitched ball was Ray Chapman.

Why We Love Babe Ruth Day

  1. It’s a celebration of determination

    Through the power of sheer talent and determination, Babe Ruth went on to become the top player in the world. It’s a feat that one can achieve in any field with dedication and time.

  2. It’s a celebration of unity

    Games have this undeniable quality of bringing people together, and so is the case of baseball. Many rejoiced endlessly when Ruth hit constant wins one after the other. But many were also saddened by the news of Ruth’s disease and subsequent death. The show of unity remained a constant in either type of situation.

  3. It’s a celebration of marching on

    Babe Ruth’s health severely deteriorated after his diagnosis and treatment. Still, Ruth came to celebrate the first Babe Ruth Day. As he prepared to give the speech, his body wracked with a coughing bout, but the fans cheered him on. After he collected himself, Ruth gave one of the best speeches of his life with 58339 fans watching and hanging on to every single of his words.

Babe Ruth Day dates

YearDateDay
2024April 27Saturday
2025April 27Sunday
2026April 27Monday
2027April 27Tuesday
2028April 27Thursday

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