Baseball is a sport that has been enjoyed for generations, and the players who have taken to the diamond have been some of the most beloved and renowned athletes of all time. Amongst these players, one stands out as being particularly legendary: Babe Ruth. Over the course of his career, Babe Ruth made a name for himself as one of the most prolific hitters in the history of the game and is widely considered to be the most legendary baseball player of all time.
Early Life
Babe Ruth, born George Herman Ruth Jr., was born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1895. Ruth’s parents were German immigrants, and he was the first of their eight children. Ruth showed immense promise in baseball from a young age, and he was eventually signed by the Baltimore Orioles in 1914. His time with the Orioles was short-lived, however, as he was sold to the Boston Red Sox the same year.
Rise to Stardom
Although Ruth initially started his career as a pitcher, it was not long before his talents as a hitter came to the forefront. Ruth quickly became one of the most feared hitters in the game, and by the end of the 1919 season he had become the undisputed home run king with an astonishing 29 home runs. Ruth’s success with the Red Sox was instrumental in helping the team win three World Series championships in four years.
Moving to the Yankees
After the 1919 season, Ruth was sold to the New York Yankees for a then-unheard-of sum of $125,000. It was with the Yankees that Babe Ruth became a true superstar. Over the course of the next fifteen years, Ruth would become the most prolific hitter in baseball history, breaking numerous records in the process. Ruth’s power and charisma made him a fan favorite, and his success with the Yankees helped to build a dynasty that would remain unparalleled for decades.
Legacy
When Ruth retired in 1935, he had established himself as the most legendary baseball player of all time. He held numerous records, including the all-time home run record of 714, which stood for over 40 years until it was broken by Hank Aaron in 1974. Ruth was also the first player to have his number retired, a feat which has since been done for a handful of other players. His legacy is still felt today, as he is widely considered to be one of the greatest players in the history of the game.
Conclusion
Babe Ruth is widely considered to be the most legendary baseball player of all time, due to his immense success and the records that he set over the course of his career. His power, charisma, and skill have cemented his place in the annals of baseball history, and he will continue to be remembered for generations to come.