Eighty Years ago today, June 2nd 1935 – George Herman Ruth – most commonly known as Babe Ruth or quite simple “The Babe” retired from Major League Baseball.
The most iconic ballplayer of them all. Possibly the most famous athlete in the history of the modern world hung up his spikes 80 years ago today.
His career and his lifestyle was larger than life. He quite simply made baseball the most famous sport in America.
In tribute to “The Babe” below are some of his most famous quotes and lesser known facts about the man who put the game on his broad shoulders and ushered it into the modern era.
Quotes:
“It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up.”
“Baseball was, is and always will be to me the best game in the world.”
“I won’t be happy until we have every boy in America between the ages of six and sixteen wearing a glove and swinging a bat.”
“Yesterday’s home runs don’t win today’s games.”
Facts:
Originally signed by The Baltimore Orioles in 1914
Sold to the Boston Red Sox as part of a fire sale by their owner.
Made his Major League debut as a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox and pitched seven innings.
His first major league hit was against the New York Yankees
Ruth was a sidearm pitcher who made 127 appearances on the mound before ever playing another position
In six seasons with the Red Sox, the Red Sox won 3 World Series titles
Only player to lead his league in Triple Crown categories as both a hitter and a pitcher
Was sold to the Yankees for $100,000 because of his threat to hold out in dispute of his contract. He was not sold to the Yankees so the owner of the Red Sox could finance his production of the play No, No Nanette contrary to myth.
Thank you Babe for making the game we love into what it is today. Happy Retirement.