Babe Ruth, orig. George Herman Ruth, (born Feb. 6, 1895, Baltimore, Md., U.S.—died Aug. 16, 1948, New York, N.Y.), U.S. baseball player, one of the greatest hitters and most popular figures in the sport’s history. Ruth began his career in 1914 as a member of Baltimore’s minor league team and joined the Boston Red Sox later that season. He started as a pitcher, compiling an outstanding record (94 wins, 46 losses), and switched to the outfield because of his powerful hitting. Sent to the New York Yankees in 1920, Ruth remained with that team until 1934; he played his last season in 1935 with the Boston Braves. He coached the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1938, but his reputation for irresponsibility prevented his obtaining a permanent coaching or manager’s job. His prodigious slugging earned him the nickname “Sultan of Swat.” In 1927 Ruth set one of the most famous of all baseball records when he hit 60 home runs in a single season, a mark that stood until 1961, when it was broken by Roger Maris. Ruth hit at least 50 home runs in four separate seasons and at least 40 in each of 11 seasons. He played on seven World Series–winning teams. His career slugging percentage (.690) remains an all-time MLB record.
