Sept. 24, 1934: When Babe Ruth bids adieu to pinstripes

On September 24, 1934, a significant chapter in baseball history unfolded as its biggest icon Babe Ruth played his farewell game as a New York Yankee at the hallowed grounds of Yankee Stadium. This poignant moment marked the culmination of his illustrious tenure with the team, as he would be traded in the upcoming off-season. Remarkably, Babe Ruth’s last appearance in pinstripes, witnessed by a modest crowd of 4,000 spectators, pitted him against the Boston Red Sox.

During the course of the game, history quietly unfolded. In the first inning, Babe Ruth was issued a walk and subsequently substituted with pinch-runner Myril Hoag. Little did anyone in attendance realize that this seemingly routine substitution would etch itself into the annals of baseball lore as Babe Ruth’s final game in a Yankees uniform. Throughout his tenure with the Yankees, Babe Ruth had solidified his place as one of the most extraordinary talents the sport had ever seen, establishing a multitude of records that would endure for generations.

Sept. 24 was also the day when Babe Ruth became the HR king

Babe Ruth in Action at Yankee Stadium. — thesportsman

Curiously, September 24 held a twofold significance in Babe Ruth’s legendary career. It was on this very date that he had achieved another milestone, becoming the record holder for single-season home runs in baseball, as reported by The Los Angeles Times. This remarkable achievement occurred 15 years prior, when the young 24-year-old Ruth, donning the colors of the Boston Red Sox, showcased his exceptional prowess both as a pitcher and an outfielder in 1919. Concluding the season with a staggering 29 home runs, he eclipsed Ned Williamson’s previous single-season record, cementing his status as a transcendent figure in the sport’s history.

The subsequent year marked a pivotal juncture in Babe Ruth’s legendary career, as he made his transition to the New York Yankees and assumed the role of a full-time outfielder. It was in the banner year of 1927 that Ruth achieved a momentous feat, leaving an indelible mark on the sport’s history books by smashing 60 home runs—an extraordinary record that would remain unbroken for an astounding 34 years. Moreover, on the historic date of August 11, 1929, Babe Ruth etched his name even deeper into baseball’s annals as he became the first player to surpass the monumental milestone of 500 career home runs, firmly establishing himself as the unrivaled all-time home run leader.

The immortal legend of baseball

Babe Ruth’s illustrious career was punctuated by a remarkable series of achievements. Spanning his tenure as both a Red Sox and Yankee player during the 1920s, he launched an astonishing tally of 467 home runs within that single decade alone. His dominance was unparalleled, as it took other players more than a decade to even approach the milestone of 500 home runs that Babe Ruth effortlessly conquered.

Silver gelatin photograph by Nat Fein of Babe Ruth emerging from the dugout, 1948; printed in the 1980s — holdenluntz

Yet, Babe Ruth’s impact extended beyond his extraordinary power hitting. He holds a distinguished record as the most-walked batter in baseball history, with an astounding 2,056 walks, as meticulously documented by The Los Angeles Times. Notably, in the year 1923, he set yet another record by drawing an impressive 170 walks. Following Babe Ruth’s remarkable seasons of 54 and 59 home runs in 1920 and 1921, intentional walks became a common strategy employed by opposing teams in their efforts to thwart his formidable presence at the plate.

Babe Ruth’s storied career culminated with an astonishing 714 home runs—a record that retained its unassailable stature until the remarkable Hank Aaron finally eclipsed it in 1974. As of today, the home run throne is occupied by Barry Bonds, who boasts an astounding 762 home runs. In enduring tribute to his profound influence on the sport of baseball, Babe Ruth was enshrined into the prestigious National Baseball Hall of Fame in its inaugural class of 1936, joining the ranks of other luminaries in the game, including Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, Christy Mathewson, and Honus Wagner.

Adorned in his iconic No. 3 jersey, Babe Ruth’s legacy continues to reverberate through the annals of New York Yankees history. Notably, the Yankees were pioneers in the introduction of jersey numbers in 1929—a landmark year that coincided with Ruth’s remarkable achievement of his 500th home run. Babe Ruth’s enduring impact remains an integral part of the Yankees’ rich tapestry and the broader narrative of America’s pastime.

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