Baseball legend Babe Ruth played his last game as a Yankee on September 24, 1934, at Yankee Stadium. The game was against the Boston Red Sox, and only 4,000 fans were in attendance. Ruth was walked in the first inning and was replaced by a pinch-runner. Little did anyone know at the time that this would be his final game in pinstripes as he was traded in the off-season. This date holds special significance for Ruth, as it was also the date in 1919 when he became baseball’s single-season home run record holder.
In 1919, Ruth had a stellar season as a pitcher and outfielder for the Boston Red Sox, finishing with a 2.97 earned-run average and 29 home runs. The next year, he joined the New York Yankees and transitioned to a full-time outfielder, where he excelled by hitting 54 home runs. In 1929, Ruth became the first player in history to hit 500 career home runs, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest hitters of all time. His achievements paved the way for future players like Jimmie Foxx, who joined the 500 home-run club in 1940.
Throughout his career, Ruth set numerous records, including being walked a record 2,056 times, with 170 walks in 1923 alone. His career total of 714 home runs stood as the individual record until 1974 when Hank Aaron surpassed him. Barry Bonds later broke Aaron’s record in 2007 with 762 home runs. Ruth was posthumously inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936, alongside other legends like Ty Cobb and Walter Johnson. The New York Yankees retired his No. 3 jersey, a fitting tribute to his legacy.
Ruth’s impact on the sport of baseball is undeniable, as he redefined the role of a power hitter and became the face of the game during his era. His larger-than-life personality and incredible talent endeared him to fans across the country. Ruth’s untimely death from throat cancer in 1948 marked the end of an era, but his memory lives on through his records, accolades, and the enduring legacy he left in the sport he loved. A total of over 100,000 fans paid their respects at Yankee Stadium during his two-day viewing, a testament to the impact he had on the game and its devoted followers.
