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Babe Ruth and the New York Yankees
Perhaps the most storied era in New York Yankees history began in 1919 when the team signed George Herman “Babe” Ruth to its roster. Already a star for the Boston Red Sox, Ruth would go on to achieve a career RBI of 2,213 (still the second highest in Major League Baseball history) and the all-time highest single-season homerun record during his time with the Yankees. “Babe” Ruth, both during his lifetime and today, is known nearly as much for his larger-than-life personality and his wild behavior off the diamond as for his extraordinary athletic accomplishments.
Ruth actually began his career in major league baseball as a pitcher. During his years in Boston, he gradually transitioned to hitter and outfielder. He was sold by Red Sox owner Harry Frazee during a time in which the franchise was going through financial difficulties and trouble with league management. Though he was already an outstanding player, Frazee was satisfied to be rid of him. Ruth established a reputation for having a hot temper and being difficult to manage early on in his career. During one notable episode in 1917, the Babe became angry and frustrated after walking a batter and ended up punching an umpire in the face. He was subsequently suspended for 10 games. Although it was a reasonable motivating factor in Boston’s decision to give him up to the Yankees, in retrospect Ruth’s out-of-control behavior has only added to his fame and popularity.
It is his time with the Yankees, however, that everyone – baseball fan or not – most associates with his legend today. Not only did he set a huge number of records, he single-handedly changed the game of baseball during the fourteen years he was with the team. Prior to his career, baseball coaches had focused on the “inner game,” winning with speed and by strategically moving around the bases. Ruth’s mastery of the homerun switched the emphasis to the “power game,” which pushed hitting to center stage. This style of ball was considered much more exciting by most fans, particularly new and casual ones. Its popularization is credited as a major reason for baseball’s expanded role in 1920s and 30s American culture.
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