Babe Ruth was born George Herman Ruth Jr. on February 6, 1895, in Baltimore, Maryland.
He was sent to St. Mary's Industrial School for Boys at the age of 7, where he learned to play baseball under the guidance of Brother Matthias.
Ruth began his professional career as a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, where he won 89 games and three World Series titles before being converted into an outfielder.
In 1919, Ruth was sold to the New York Yankees, a move that led to the 'Curse of the Bambino' and sparked one of the most famous rivalries in sports between the Red Sox and Yankees.
He hit 714 home runs in his career, a record that stood for 39 years until it was broken by Hank Aaron in 1974.
Babe Ruth was the first player to hit 60 home runs in a single season, achieving this feat in 1927, a record that stood for 34 years.
He was known for his charismatic personality and was one of the first athletes to become a national celebrity, endorsing products and appearing in films.
Babe Ruth helped lead the Yankees to seven American League pennants and four World Series championships during his time with the team.
His larger-than-life persona and prodigious talent helped popularize the home run as a key part of baseball strategy.
Ruth's number 3 jersey was retired by the New York Yankees in 1948, the same year he was diagnosed with throat cancer.
Despite his fame and success, Babe Ruth was known for his charitable work, often visiting hospitals and orphanages to spend time with sick children.
Ruth was one of the first five players inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936.
He was an accomplished pitcher as well as a hitter, finishing his career with a 94-46 win-loss record and a 2.28 ERA.
Ruth's lifestyle off the field was as legendary as his on-field achievements, known for his love of food, drink, and fast living.
Babe Ruth passed away on August 16, 1948, but his legacy as one of the greatest and most beloved figures in baseball history remains strong.
