April 27th is the day of the year when baseball fans honor one of baseball’s all-time greatest players. George Herman “Babe” Ruth was born on February 6, 1895 in Baltimore, Maryland. He was a baseball player for 22 years. He played for three teams from 1914 to 1935. He was famously known as “the Bambino” and “the Sultan of Swat.” Babe Ruth became a legendary baseball player when the New York Yankees bought his contract from the Boston Red Sox in 1919. He pivoted from pitching to playing right field full-time. Ruth was a prolific hitter and helped the Yankees win seven pennants and four World Series titles. Ruth was a prolific hitter. In 1927, he set a career home run record. He also set records for the most runs batted in, runs created, and on-base plus slugging. Even though he was a talented baseball player, Ruth retired from the sport in 1935. In 1936, he was one of the first five people to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1946, he had severe eye pain and swallowing problems. He was diagnosed with cancer. On April 27, 1947, a huge crowd gathered to honor Ruth. He gave a speech to those gathered. The greatest baseball player of all time died at the age of 53. His last game was on July 13, 1935. On August 16, 1948, he passed away in his sleep at the age of 53.

National Babe Ruth Day is observed annually on April 27th!

The first National Babe Ruth Day was held in New York City at Yankee Stadium in 1947. 58,339 fans attended and cheered as dignitaries surrounded the Bambino. These included Francis Spellman, commissioner of baseball; A. B. Chandler, president of the American League; Will Haridge, president of the National League; and Ford Frick, the commissioner of Major League Baseball.