Babe Ruth Height, Age, Born, Wife, Stats, Jersey, Death & More

Black and white photo of Babe Ruth wearing a New York Yankees cap and jersey.

Babe Ruth

AttributeDetails
Primary PositionOutfielder, Pitcher
Batting StyleLeft-handed
Throwing StyleLeft-handed
BirthplaceBaltimore, Maryland, USA

Babe Ruth Life 

AttributeDetails
Full NameGeorge Herman “Babe” Ruth Jr.
Nicknames“The Sultan of Swat,” “The Bambino”
Height6 feet 2 inches (188 cm)
BirthdateFebruary 6, 1895
BirthplaceBaltimore, Maryland, USA
DeathAugust 16, 1948 (aged 53)
WivesHelen Woodford (m. 1914, d. 1929)
Claire Merritt Hodgson (m. 1929)
ChildrenDorothy Ruth (with Helen), Julia Ruth Stevens (adopted with Claire)
EducationSt. Mary’s Industrial School for Boys in Baltimore
MLB DebutJuly 11, 1914, with the Boston Red Sox
Final MLB GameMay 30, 1935, with the Boston Braves
Career StatisticsHome Runs: 714
RBIs: 2,214
Batting Average: .342
Jersey Number#3 (with the New York Yankees)
Teams Played ForBoston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Boston Braves
Hall of Fame Induction1936 (inaugural class)
LegacyConsidered one of the greatest baseball players of all time, influencing the sport with his power hitting and charisma.

Babe Ruth Early Life and Birth 

AttributeDetails
Full NameGeorge Herman Ruth Jr.
BirthdateFebruary 6, 1895
BirthplaceBaltimore, Maryland, USA
ParentsGeorge Herman Ruth Sr. (father), Katherine Schamberger (mother)
SiblingsOne surviving sister, Mamie; six siblings died in infancy
Father’s OccupationTavern owner
Childhood EnvironmentGrew up in a rough neighborhood in Baltimore
Early ChallengesTroubled childhood; behavior issues led to being sent away
Reformatory SchoolSt. Mary’s Industrial School for Boys, a reformatory and orphanage
MentorBrother Matthias, who taught Ruth baseball and became a father figure
Development of Baseball SkillsLearned and honed his baseball skills at St. Mary’s under Brother Matthias’s guidance

Babe Ruth Height & Physical Attributes

AttributeDetails
Height6 feet 2 inches (188 cm)
WeightApproximately 215-225 pounds (97-102 kg) during his playing career
Body TypeLarge and muscular build, known for his powerful physique
Batting StyleLeft-handed
Throwing StyleLeft-handed
Physical PresenceIntimidating on the field, with a strong and commanding stature
Signature LookOften seen wearing a Yankees cap and a large, baggy uniform
EnduranceDespite his size, Ruth was known for his athleticism and stamina, able to play long seasons with consistent performance

Babe Ruth Age 

AttributeDetails
Career Duration22 seasons
MLB Debut1914 (Age 19) with the Boston Red Sox
Retirement1935 (Age 40) with the Boston Braves
Teams Played ForBoston Red Sox (1914–1919)
New York Yankees (1920–1934)
Boston Braves (1935)
Total Years in MLB21 years
Age at Debut19 years old
Age at Retirement40 years old
Career Highlights7 World Series titles
714 home runs
Lifetime batting average of .342
LegacyRuth’s longevity and sustained performance over two decades are key aspects of his legendary status in baseball.

Standard Batting Statistics For Babe Ruth

AttributeDetails
Career Batting Average.342
Career Home Runs714
Career Runs Batted In (RBIs)2,214
Career Hits2,214
Career On-Base Percentage.474
Career Slugging Percentage.690
Single-Season Home Run Record60 (1927)
Single-Season RBIs171 (1921)
Single-Season Batting Average High.393 (1923)
Career Walks2,214

Babe Ruth player Value Batting 

AttributeDetails
Career Span1914 to 1935
Career Home Runs714
Single-Season Home Run Records60 (1927) – held for many years
Career Batting Average.342
Career Runs Batted In (RBIs)2,214
Career Hits2,214
Career On-Base Percentage.474
Career Slugging Percentage.690
Single-Season Batting Average High.393 (1923)
Single-Season RBIs171 (1921)
Notable AchievementsLed the league in home runs 12 times
Led the league in RBIs 6 times
Multiple MVP awards in various seasons (MVP was officially awarded from 1931)
Impact on Team SuccessKey player in 7 World Series championships
Instrumental in the New York Yankees’ dominance during the 1920s and 1930s

Babe Ruth Advanced Batting Statistics

AttributeDetails
Career Home Runs714
Career Slugging Percentage.690
Career On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS)1.164
Career On-Base Percentage (OBP).474
Career Batting Average (BA).342
Career Isolated Power (ISO).348
Single-Season Home Run Record60 (1927)
Single-Season Slugging Percentage.772 (1920)
Single-Season On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS)1.379 (1921)
Single-Season Isolated Power (ISO).421 (1921)
Career Weighted On-Base Average (wOBA).482
Career Weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+)206 (adjusted for league and ballpark factors, where 100 is average)
Single-Season Weighted On-Base Average (wOBA).502 (1921)
Single-Season Weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+)206 (1921)
Career Runs Created (RC)2,214
Career Runs Created Per Game (RC/G)7.4

Babe Ruth Postseason Batting Statistics

StatisticDetails
Career Postseason Batting Average.326 (batting average in World Series games)
Career Postseason Home Runs15 (total home runs in World Series)
Career Postseason RBIs33 (total RBIs in World Series)
Career Postseason Hits57 (total hits in World Series)
Career Postseason Runs41 (total runs scored in World Series)
Career Postseason On-Base Percentage (OBP).462 (OBP in World Series)
Career Postseason Slugging Percentage.500 (slugging percentage in World Series)
Career Postseason On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS).962 (OPS in World Series)
Most Home Runs in a Single World Series2 (1926, 1927)
Most RBIs in a Single World Series6 (1921)
Single-Season Postseason Batting Average High.428 (1928)

Babe Ruth Pitching Stats

StatisticDetails
Career Wins94
Career Losses46
Career Earned Run Average (ERA)2.28
Career Games Started163
Career Complete Games107
Career Shutouts17
Career Innings Pitched1,221
Career Strikeouts488
Career Runs Allowed per 9 Innings (RA9)2.95
Career Opponent Runs Allowed per 9 Innings (RA9 Opp)3.76
Career Defense Adjusted Runs Allowed per 9 Innings (RA9 Def)0.22
Career Role Adjusted Runs Allowed per 9 Innings (RA9 Role)0.00
Career Pitching Performance Per Fielding (PPPf)97.0
Career Average Runs Allowed per 9 Innings (RA9 Avg)3.43
Career Runs Above Average (RAA)66
Career Wins Above Average (WAA)9.1
Career Game Leverage Index (gmLI)1.31
Career Adjusted Wins Above Average (WAA Adj)-0.9
Career Wins Above Replacement (WAR)20.4
Career Runs Above Replacement (RAR)172

Babe Ruth Standard Pitching Statistics

AttributeDetails
Career Wins94
Career Losses46
Career Earned Run Average (ERA)2.28
Career Games Started163
Career Complete Games107
Career Shutouts17
Career Innings Pitched1,221
Career Strikeouts488
Single-Season Wins24 (1916)
Single-Season ERA Low1.75 (1916)
Single-Season Shutouts9 (1916)
Single-Season Strikeouts173 (1916)
Single-Season Complete Games40 (1916)

Babe Ruth Marriage Family and Personal Life

AttributeDetails
First MarriageHelen Woodford (m. 1914)
First Wife’s BackgroundHelen was a waitress whom Ruth met in Boston.
Children from First MarriageDorothy Ruth (born 1921, believed to be the biological daughter of Babe Ruth and another woman, but raised by Helen and Babe)
Second MarriageClaire Merritt Hodgson (m. 1929)
Second Wife’s BackgroundClaire was a former actress and model.
Children with Second WifeJulia Ruth Stevens (Claire’s daughter from a previous marriage, whom Babe adopted)
Family LifeRuth was known to be a devoted father to both Dorothy and Julia. The family was often seen together in public, and Ruth enjoyed spending time with his daughters.
ChallengesRuth’s first marriage to Helen was strained due to his lifestyle and frequent absences. Helen died in a house fire in 1929, after which Ruth married Claire.
LegacyRuth’s second marriage to Claire is remembered as a stabilizing influence in his life. He maintained close relationships with his daughters until his death.

Babe Ruth Baseball Statistics

StatisticDetails
Career Home Runs714
Career Batting Average.342
Career RBIs2,214
Career Hits2,214
Career Runs Scored2,214
Career On-Base Percentage.474
Career Slugging Percentage.690
Single-Season Home Run Record60 (1927)
Single-Season RBIs171 (1921)
World Series Titles7 (3 with the Boston Red Sox, 4 with the New York Yankees)
World Series Home Runs15
World Series Batting Average.326
Career Games Played2,503
Career At-Bats8,399
Career Walks2,214
Career Strikeouts1,330

Babe Ruth Jersey

AttributeDetails
Jersey Number#3
Teams WornBoston Red Sox (1914–1919)
New York Yankees (1920–1934)
Boston Braves (1935)
Jersey DesignBoston Red Sox: Gray with “Boston” across the front
New York Yankees: Gray or white with “Yankees” across the front
Boston Braves: Gray with “Braves” across the front
SignificanceRuth’s #3 jersey is one of the most famous in baseball history, symbolizing his dominance and legacy in the sport.
Retirement of NumberThe New York Yankees retired Babe Ruth’s #3 jersey on June 13, 1948, in honor of his contributions to the team and the game.
MemorabiliaRuth’s jerseys are highly sought after by collectors, with authentic examples fetching high prices at auctions.
Cultural ImpactThe jersey represents Ruth’s transformative impact on baseball, his larger-than-life persona, and his legendary status in the sport.

Babe Ruth Death

AttributeDetails
How did Babe Ruth DieBabe Ruth died of throat cancer on August 16, 1948.
when did Babe Ruth DieAugust 16, 1948 , 53 years old
Cause of DeathThroat cancer
Place of DeathNew York City, New York, USA
Final Resting PlaceGate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, New York, USA
Health Prior to DeathRuth had been in declining health due to cancer and had undergone several surgeries.
Public ReactionRuth’s death was met with national mourning, and he was remembered as one of the greatest athletes in history.
FuneralHeld at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, attended by numerous dignitaries, sports figures, and fans.
LegacyRuth’s passing marked the end of an era in baseball; his legacy continues to be celebrated as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

Babe Ruth Education and Baseball Development

AttributeDetails
Early EducationRuth attended various schools in Baltimore, including the local public schools. His formal education was limited due to his troubled upbringing.
St. Mary’s Industrial School for BoysRuth was sent to St. Mary’s Industrial School at age 7 due to his troubled behavior and family circumstances.
Institution TypeReformatory and orphanage
Influence of Brother MatthiasBrother Matthias, a monk at St. Mary’s, became a key mentor and father figure, teaching Ruth baseball and helping him develop his skills.
Early Baseball TrainingRuth played baseball at St. Mary’s, where he demonstrated exceptional talent. Brother Matthias encouraged and honed his skills.
First Baseball TeamRuth’s first team was the school’s baseball team at St. Mary’s, where he played as a pitcher.
First Professional OpportunityAt age 19, Ruth was signed by the Baltimore Orioles, a minor league team, which led to his Major League debut with the Boston Red Sox in 1914.

Babe Ruth Legacy

AttributeDetails
Impact on BaseballRuth revolutionized the game with his power hitting and charismatic personality, transforming baseball into a national pastime.
Cultural IconKnown as “The Sultan of Swat” and “The Bambino,” Ruth became a symbol of sports excellence and American heroism.
Influence on Future PlayersHis success and style influenced countless players and changed the way baseball is played and perceived.
Hall of FameInducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936 as one of its inaugural members.
Record SettingHeld several records, including career home runs (714) and single-season home runs (60) for decades.
MemorabiliaRuth’s jerseys, bats, and other memorabilia are highly prized and symbolize his enduring legacy.
Media and Popular CultureRuth’s larger-than-life persona has been celebrated in books, films, and documentaries, cementing his place in American culture.
Charitable WorkHis charitable efforts and public appearances contributed to his lasting positive impact on society.
Baseball StrategyRuth’s emphasis on power hitting and a focus on the home run changed team strategies and game tactics.

Babe Ruth Social Media Platforms

PlatformLink
FacebookBabe Ruth
TwitterBabe Ruth
InstagramBabe Ruth
LinkedInBabe Ruth
YouTubeBabe Ruth Highlights

Babe Ruth Baseball Cards

CardYearManufacturerTypeDescriptionValue (Estimated)
1916 Sporting News1916Sporting NewsRookie CardOne of Ruth’s earliest cards, showing him with the Boston Red Sox.$500,000+
1933 Goudey #531933GoudeyBase CardA classic card from the Goudey set, featuring Ruth in a portrait pose.$1,000,000+
1933 Goudey #1441933GoudeyBase CardAnother highly sought-after card from the Goudey set, depicting Ruth in action.$1,200,000+
1936 Diamond Stars #21936Diamond StarsBase CardRuth is featured in a well-regarded set, known for its artistic designs.$100,000+
1948 Leaf #31948LeafBase CardA popular post-war card, featuring Ruth in a classic pose.$80,000+
1962 Topps #11962ToppsCommemorative CardA card issued to commemorate Ruth’s contributions to the game.$20,000+

Babe Ruth Yankees

AspectDetails
Years with Yankees1920-1934
PositionOutfielder
Jersey Number3
Notable Achievements4 World Series titles (1923, 1927, 1928, 1932)
Career Home Runs659 (with Yankees)
Career Batting Average.349 (with Yankees)
Career RBIs1,959 (with Yankees)
Career Runs Scored1,714 (with Yankees)
Single-Season Home Runs60 (1927)
Single-Season RBIs171 (1921)
Single-Season Runs Scored158 (1921)

Babe Ruth Rookie Card

AttributeDetails
Card Name1916 Sporting News Babe Ruth
Year1916
ManufacturerSporting News
Card Number151
TeamBoston Red Sox
DescriptionFeatures Ruth as a pitcher with the Boston Red Sox. One of his earliest and most sought-after cards.
ConditionValue varies greatly depending on card condition (grading scale from PSA 1 to PSA 10).
Estimated Value$500,000+ (highly variable based on condition and authenticity)

Babe Ruth Baseball

AttributeDetails
ItemBabe Ruth Signed Baseball
Signature LocationTypically signed on the sweet spot (center of the ball)
Signature TypeAutograph
AuthenticationOften includes certification from reputable companies (e.g., PSA/DNA, JSA, Beckett)
ConditionValue varies based on ball condition, legibility of signature, and whether it’s inscribed (e.g., “Yankees World Champions 1927”)
Estimated Value$20,000 – $100,000+ (depending on condition, authenticity, and additional inscriptions)
Historical ContextSigned during Ruth’s playing career or shortly after retirement

Babe Ruth Outfield Baseball Cards

CardYearManufacturerTypeDescriptionEstimated Value
1916 Sporting News1916Sporting NewsRookie CardOne of Ruth’s earliest cards, showing him as an outfielder with the Boston Red Sox.$500,000+
1933 Goudey #531933GoudeyBase CardClassic card from the Goudey set, featuring Ruth as an outfielder in a portrait pose.$1,000,000+
1933 Goudey #1441933GoudeyBase CardHighly sought-after card from the Goudey set, depicting Ruth in action as an outfielder.$1,200,000+
1936 Diamond Stars #21936Diamond StarsBase CardFeatures Ruth in an artistic depiction as an outfielder.$100,000+
1948 Leaf #31948LeafBase CardPost-war card showing Ruth as an outfielder.$80,000+

Babe Ruth Pitching Cards

CardYearManufacturerTypeDescriptionEstimated Value
1916 Sporting News1916Sporting NewsRookie CardShows Ruth as a pitcher with the Boston Red Sox; one of his earliest cards.$500,000+
1933 Goudey #531933GoudeyBase CardFeatures Ruth in a pitching pose as part of the Goudey set.$1,000,000+
1933 Goudey #1441933GoudeyBase CardAnother notable card from the Goudey set, depicting Ruth as a pitcher.$1,200,000+
1936 Diamond Stars #21936Diamond StarsBase CardIncludes Ruth in a pitching action shot.$100,000+
1948 Leaf #31948LeafBase CardPost-war card depicting Ruth in a pitching pose.$80,000+

Babe Ruth World Series 

YearTeamOpponentSeries ResultRuth’s PerformanceHighlights
1923New York YankeesNew York GiantsYankees Win 4-2.368 AVG, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 6 RRuth hit .368 in the Series and helped the Yankees secure their first World Series title.
1926New York YankeesSt. Louis CardinalsCardinals Win 4-3.300 AVG, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 6 RRuth’s performance was notable but the Yankees lost a close Series.
1927New York YankeesPittsburgh PiratesYankees Win 4-0.400 AVG, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 7 RRuth’s performance was stellar; he hit .400 with 3 home runs.
1928New York YankeesSt. Louis CardinalsYankees Win 4-0.625 AVG, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 7 RRuth dominated, hitting .625 with 2 home runs.
1932New York YankeesChicago CubsYankees Win 4-0.333 AVG, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 5 RRuth’s performance included the famous “called shot” home run.

Babe Ruth Signature

AttributeDetails
Signature StyleOften includes “Babe Ruth” in cursive; distinctive and flowing.
Common LocationsTypically on the sweet spot of the baseball, but also found on photographs, jerseys, and memorabilia.
AuthenticationCertified by reputable companies like PSA/DNA, JSA, and Beckett.
Signature FeaturesSignature is generally clear, though its condition can vary with age and exposure.
Estimated Value$5,000 – $30,000+ (depends on item, condition, and authenticity)
Notable InscriptionsSometimes includes additional inscriptions like “Yankees World Champions” or personal messages.