Introduction
If you’re a fan of baseball or the Red Sox’s, there’s one name you’ve probably heard more than others – Babe Ruth. Known as “The Bambino” or “The Sultan of Swat”, Babe Ruth was a game-changer, especially in his early years with the Boston Red Sox before he joined the New York Yankees. Let’s dive into the golden era of the Red Sox when Babe Ruth was a part of the team.
A Star Rises in Boston
In 1914, a 19-year-old boy named George Herman Ruth Jr. took his first steps in Fenway Park in Boston. He left the St. Mary’s Industrial School for Boys and entered the world of professional baseball. The newly signed player didn’t take long to adopt a nickname that would create echoes in baseball history – Babe Ruth.
Babe Ruth’s Early Years with the Red Sox
From 1914 to 1919, Babe Ruth played for the Boston Red Sox and pitched his way to fame. Babe Ruth won a total of 89 games in six seasons. He was the star pitcher for the Red Sox, batting .342 with 29 home runs during his time in Boston. Everyone admired Ruth’s powerful left-handed swing and his incredible long-distance home runs.
The Championship Years
In the “The Bambino” era, the Red Sox prospered by winning three World Series titles in 1915, 1916, and 1918. The 1918 World Series victory is particularly significant because it would be the last one for the Red Sox until 2004, about 86 years later!
1915 World Series
Even though Babe Ruth did not play much active role during the 1915 World Series, his presence in the team was significant. The Red Sox sailed to victory against Philadelphia by beating them 4-1 in games.
1916 World Series
In the 1916 World Series, Babe Ruth showed why he was William Howard Taft’s “best left-hander”. He pitched a remarkable 14-inning game and won the game for the Red Sox against the Brooklyn Robins (now known as the Los Angeles Dodgers). This ultimately led Boston to clinch the series and take home their second World Series trophy.
1918 World Series
This World Series saw the beginning of a transition from Ruth the pitcher to Ruth the slugger. He played in both roles in this series, demonstrating his dexterity in both batting and pitching. The Red Sox beat the Chicago Cubs and Ruth cemented his legacy with the Red Sox, winning his last World Series with Boston.
A Departure and a Curse
In December 1919, the golden era came to an abrupt end when Babe Ruth was sold to the New York Yankees by then owner Harry Frazee. The trade is associated with the infamous “Curse of the Bambino”, which many fans believe resulted in over 80 years of World Series drought for the Red Sox.
Although the curse may or may not be real, it signifies the enormous impact Babe Ruth had on the Red Sox franchise and the city of Boston. Even after the trade, his legacy at Fenway Park lives on.
Conclusion
Babe Ruth’s time with the Red Sox was indeed its golden era. The successful career that followed him makes Ruth one of the most celebrated figures in baseball history. He left an indelible mark with his exceptional skills in both batting and pitching.
From a young boy in Boston, to the Sultan of Swat in New York, Babe Ruth has truly made his name synonymous with Baseball. He remains a paragon of sporting excellence, embodying the spirit and passion that make baseball America’s favorite pastime.