Babe Ruth

George Herman "Babe" Ruth Jr., born February 6, 1895, in Baltimore, Maryland, is widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time. Known as "The Sultan of Swat" and "The Bambino," Ruth transformed the game of baseball with his unprecedented power hitting and larger-than-life personality.

Ruth began his career as a left-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox before becoming the most dominant hitter in baseball history. His trade to the New York Yankees in 1920, known as the "Curse of the Bambino," marked the beginning of the Yankees dynasty and the Red Sox's 86-year championship drought.

During his 22-year career, Ruth revolutionized baseball by popularizing the home run. His 714 career home runs stood as a record for nearly four decades. Ruth's impact extended beyond statistics; he saved baseball after the 1919 Black Sox scandal and became America's first true sports celebrity during the Roaring Twenties.

In 1936, Ruth was one of the first five players inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. His legendary status endures, with his number 3 retired by the Yankees and his influence still felt in baseball today. He passed away on August 16, 1948, but his legacy as baseball's greatest icon lives on.