RetroSeasons recaps past sports seasons through stories, photos, videos, and stats from every team, league, and stadium in history. Coverage includes the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL, as well as vintage media from defunct teams and leagues.
Nicknamed "The Bambino" and "The Sultan of Swat", he began his MLB career as a star left-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, but achieved his greatest fame as a slugging outfielder for the New York Yankees. Ruth is regarded as one of the greatest sports heroes in American culture and is considered by many to be the greatest baseball
On April 27, 1947, a significant event unfolded in the annals of baseball history, marking "Babe Ruth Day" at Yankee Stadium. This day was singularly poignant as it featured one of the last public appearances of George Herman "Babe" Ruth, a figure synonymous with the sport itself. Ruth's career, a tapestry of home runs and unprecedented feats, had by then transitioned from the vibrancy of his playing days to the quieter, yet no less impactful, role of an ambassador of the sport. The year 1947 found Ruth far removed from his peak in the 1920s and early 1930s, yet his influence on the game and its fans remained undiminished. In this ceremony, Ruth addressed the crowd, his voice reverberating not just through Yankee Stadium but also across the countless radios tuned in to hear the legend. This speech resonated as a poignant capstone to a career that had, in many ways, shaped the very fabric of America's pastime.
The day was not merely a farewell but a celebration of Ruth's indelible impact on baseball, with the echoes of his achievements and the sheer force of his personality still palpable in the stadium. As fans listened to his words, they were reminded of the numerous records and moments of awe that Ruth had provided throughout his illustrious career. The juxtaposition of the year 1947 against the backdrop of Ruth's career highlights served as a stark reminder of the relentless march of time and the lasting legacy of one of the sport's most iconic figures.
In this 1942 clip from the Bob Hope Radio Show, Bob Hope, a renowned comedian...
Bob Hope with Babe Ruth - Classic Baseball Radio Comedy Show / In this 1942 clip from the Bob Hope Radio Show, Bob Hope, a renowned comedian and entertainer, engages with Babe Ruth, one of the most iconic figures in baseball history. Given the era, this interaction likely provides insights into Ruth's illustrious career, personal anecdotes, and perhaps Hope's characteristic humor woven into their conversation. This period in history was marked by World War II; thus, their dialogue might also reflect the national mood and the impact of the war on American sports and entertainment.
The 1934 Baseball All-Star Game was the second year that the game was played, but...
1934 MLB All-Star Game - Radio Broadcast / The 1934 Baseball All-Star Game was the second year that the game was played, but it's the first baseball game in which an audio recording still exists. The game featured an unbelievable 28 future hall of famers and is well known among baseball historians for the performance of starting pitcher Carl Hubbell. Be sure to listen closely to the first inning when, Hubbell strikes out five of the game's best hitters in succession: – Hall of famers Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx, Al Simmons and Joe Cronin
The 1928 Major League Baseball season was a banner year for hitting, with several sluggers...
MLB 1928 Home Run Derby Simulation / The 1928 Major League Baseball season was a banner year for hitting, with several sluggers making their mark. The New York Yankees' Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig dominated the American League, with Ruth hitting .323 with 54 home runs and 142 RBIs, and Gehrig batting .374 with 27 home runs and a league-leading 142 RBIs. In the National League, the Pittsburgh Pirates' Paul Waner led with a .370 average, while the Philadelphia Phillies' Cy Williams topped the league with 31 home runs. The Yankees swept the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series, with Ruth and Gehrig combining for seven home runs in four games.
In this simulated 1927 MLB Home Run Derby, we're seeing a clash of titans with...
MLB 1927 Home Run Derby Simulation / In this simulated 1927 MLB Home Run Derby, we're seeing a clash of titans with Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Rogers Hornsby, and Hack Wilson, all at their prime. Ruth and Gehrig, famously part of the '27 Yankees' "Murderers' Row", are up against Hornsby, who had just moved to the Giants, and Wilson, who was leading the Cubs' offensive, setting the stage for a contest of power hitters from a golden era of baseball.
In this engaging audio clip from August 16, 1955, Mel Allen, a renowned American sportscaster,...
The Legend of Babe Ruth Biography / In this engaging audio clip from August 16, 1955, Mel Allen, a renowned American sportscaster, famously known for his work with the New York Yankees, conducts a captivating radio interview focused on the enduring legacy of Babe Ruth, one of baseball's most legendary figures. At this point in history, Allen's career as the "Voice of the Yankees" was in full swing, making him a household name among baseball fans, while Babe Ruth, who had passed away in 1948, remained an iconic symbol of the sport's rich history. This interview offers a unique glimpse into Ruth's monumental impact on baseball, through the lens of one of the most influential sportscasters of the time, providing listeners with not only a reflection on Ruth's achievements but also on how his legend continued to inspire and shape the narrative of baseball.
