Babe Ruth is one of the most legendary baseball players of all time, known for his incredible power hitting and larger-than-life personality. Born in Baltimore in 1895, he was named George Herman Ruth Jr., but quickly earned the nickname "Babe" for his youthful appearance.
As a young boy, Babe Ruth was a troublemaker, often getting into fights and skipping school. But he also showed a natural talent for baseball, and was eventually sent to a reform school where he was introduced to the game in a more structured setting.
After a brief stint playing for a minor league team, Babe Ruth was signed by the Boston Red Sox in 1914. Initially used as a pitcher, he quickly established himself as a powerful hitter, leading the league in home runs in 1918.
But Babe Ruth's time in Boston was short-lived. In 1920, he was sold to the New York Yankees for what was then a record-breaking sum of $100,000. It was a move that would change baseball history forever.
Playing for the Yankees, Babe Ruth became an unstoppable force, hitting home runs at an unprecedented rate and leading the team to several World Series victories. His power and charisma made him a beloved figure not just in baseball, but in popular culture at large.
Babe Ruth's career was not without controversy, however. He was known for his hard-partying lifestyle, and rumors of his infidelity and womanizing were common. He also faced criticism for his outspokenness on issues such as race, and his support for the controversial German-American Bund.
Despite these flaws, Babe Ruth remains an enduring figure in American culture, a symbol of the power and possibility of the American dream. His legacy as one of the greatest baseball players of all time continues to inspire generations of fans and players alike.
