RUTH, BABE (1895-1948), won fame as the greatest slugger in baseball history. He set many records, including his 714 regular-season home runs. Ruth had a personality that caught the imagination of fans and helped popularize baseball.
He was born George Herman Ruth in Baltimore, Md. He was raised at St. Mary's Industrial School in Baltimore. One of Ruth's teachers recognized his skill at baseball and helped him start his career in 1914. Later that year, Ruth joined the Boston Red Sox and became a successful pitcher. But by the time the Red Sox traded him to the New York Yankees in 1920, he was playing in the outfield regularly. In 1927, Ruth set a record of 60 home runs in a season. His slugging power made him baseball's biggest attraction. The Yankees' new stadium was nicknamed the House That Ruth Built. Ruth hit his 60 home runs during a 154-game season. In 1961, New York Yankees star Roger Maris set another record by hitting 61 home runs during a 162-game schedule.
The Yankees released Ruth after the 1934 season, and he finished his career with the Boston Braves in 1935. He was named to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936. Ruth died of cancer.
