George Herman “Babe” Ruth (born February 6, 1895, died August 16, 1948) was an American baseball player whose MLB career lasted 22 seasons (1914–1935). Nicknamed “the Bambino” and “the Sultan of Swat”, he was a star pitcher for the Boston Red Sox and a legendary slugger for the New York Yankees.
He hit 60 home runs in 1927, led the AL in homers 12 times, and helped win 4 World Series. He died of cancer in 1948 and remains an iconic sports figure.
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Babe Ruth Net Worth
Babe Ruth had a net worth of $800,000 at his death, equivalent to about $9 million today after inflation. He played 22 MLB seasons from 1914 to 1935, best known for his time with the New York Yankees, winning four World Series titles.
Ruth is considered one of the greatest baseball players ever. Besides his athletic achievements, he was also famous for numerous off-field incidents involving drinking and womanizing, which attracted significant public attention.
Early life
George Herman Ruth Jr. was born February 6, 1895, in Pigtown, Baltimore, to Katherine and George Herman Ruth Sr., both of German ancestry.
As a child, he spoke German and was largely unsupervised. At age seven, he was sent to St. Mary’s Industrial School for Boys, run by the Xaverian Brothers, where he stayed for 12 years. There, he learned carpentry, became a shirtmaker, and was mentored by Brother Matthias Boutlier, who taught him baseball and became Ruth’s role model and lifelong influence.
Career
In early 1914, George Herman Ruth signed a professional baseball contract with Jack Dunn, owner of the Baltimore Orioles of the International League. Accounts differ on how Dunn discovered Ruth—some credit Joe Engel, others a St. Mary’s game. Ruth later claimed he simply worked out for Dunn.
Legal issues arose since he was underage, but he began earning $100/month. On the train to spring training in Fayetteville, North Carolina, veterans nicknamed him “Babe”, likely short for “Dunnie’s babe”, marking his first steps into professional baseball.
Personal life
Babe Ruth met Helen Woodford in Boston, where she worked as a waitress. They married on October 17, 1914, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Ellicott City. In 1921, they adopted a daughter, Dorothy. By 1925, they separated due to Ruth’s infidelities and neglect.
Their last public appearance was during the 1926 World Series. Helen died in a house fire in January 1929, living with Edward Kinder as “Mrs. Kinder.” Dorothy later claimed to be Ruth’s biological daughter by Juanita Jennings, confirmed by Juanita in 1980.
What happened to Babe Ruth’s wife?
Helen Woodford Ruth (born October 20, 1897, died January 11, 1929) was the first wife of Babe Ruth and the adoptive mother of his daughter Dorothy. She died in a house fire in 1929, under controversial circumstances that were questioned at the time and remain debated to this day.
Conclusion
Babe Ruth’s net worth and his contributions to baseball and American culture remain legendary. His skills on the diamond, coupled with his charismatic personality, not only earned him substantial wealth but also cemented his status as a cultural icon.
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FAQs about Babe Ruth Net Worth
- What records did Babe Ruth set during his career? Ruth set numerous records, including his 60-home run season in 1927 and a total of 714 home runs in his career.
- What was Babe Ruth’s impact on baseball? Ruth revolutionized baseball with his power hitting, contributing to the popularity of the sport in America.
- What other ventures contributed to Ruth’s wealth? Beyond baseball, Ruth earned money from endorsements, personal appearances, and acting roles in films.
- What is Ruth’s legacy in baseball today? Ruth is remembered as one of the greatest baseball players ever, with a lasting impact on the sport and American culture.
- Did Babe Ruth engage in philanthropy? Ruth was known for his charitable efforts, especially towards children, often visiting hospitals and orphanages.
