Known for his legendary baseball career, Babe Ruth’s story, including his personal life—his wife and kids and their journey through life—continues to inspire generations, carrying forward his remarkable legacy.
Babe Ruth, whose full name was George Herman Ruth Jr., was born on February 6, 1895, in Baltimore, Maryland.
He’s often called one of the greatest baseball players ever, but his early life wasn’t exactly smooth sailing.
His parents, George Sr. and Katherine, worked long hours and struggled to manage him.
So, when he was just seven, they sent him to St. Mary’s Industrial School for Boys.
It wasn’t an easy place to grow up, but it was there that Ruth discovered his love for baseball.
Brother Matthias, one of the school staff, took Ruth under his wings and taught him not just how to play the game but also how to stay focused—a skill Ruth definitely needed.
Babe Ruth Lived A Life As Big As His Career And Transformed Baseball Forever
Ruth’s professional career started in 1914 with the Baltimore Orioles.
But it didn’t take long for people to notice his talent. Before anyone knew it, he was playing for the Boston Red Sox, where he quickly stood out as a powerful pitcher and hitter.
By 1919, he was smashing records, hitting 29 home runs in a season—a huge number for that time.
Still, his trade to the New York Yankees in 1920 changed everything for Ruth and the sport of baseball.
These records didn’t just make him famous—they completely changed how people thought about the sport.
Fans were thrilled, and his name became synonymous with greatness.
That same year, he hit an unbelievable 54 home runs and then topped that in 1921 with an even more astonishing 59 home runs.
Unfortunately, in 1946, he was diagnosed with cancer and passed away on August 16, 1948.
Babe Ruth’s Kids Carried On His Legacy, With His Wife Supporting Their Journey And Inspiring Future Generations
When it came to family, Babe Ruth’s life had its ups and downs.
In 1914, he married Mary Ellen Woodford. Together, they adopted a daughter, Dorothy Helen Ruth, in 1921.
But fame and the pressures of his career made it hard to balance family life, and their relationship struggled.
Then, in 1929, tragedy struck when Mary died in a house fire.
Later that same year, Ruth found love again and married Claire Mae Merritt.
Claire brought stability to Ruth’s hectic life and even helped him with his finances and health.
Together, they had a daughter, Julia Ruth Stevens, in 1933.
Julia always spoke warmly about her father, describing him as loving, fun, and larger than life.
Dorothy Helen Ruth chose to live a quieter life, staying out of the public eye.
She got married, had children, and focused on her family until her death in 1989.
Julia Ruth Stevens, on the other hand, embraced her father’s legacy wholeheartedly.
She attended events celebrating his accomplishments and often shared personal stories about him.
Through interviews and social media, she kept his memory alive, connecting with fans who still admired him.
Babe Ruth’s grandchildren, on the other hand, didn’t follow in his footsteps in sports but still played a role in honoring his legacy.
They often participated in family events and supported causes related to baseball and youth development.
Though their lives are quieter than Ruth’s, they’ve helped keep his name alive for new generations.
Keeping aside his personal life, Babe Ruth’s impact on baseball—and even American culture—was massive.
His records didn’t just impress fans; they redefined what was possible in the sport.
Decades later, people still talk about him, read books about his life, and watch documentaries that celebrate his career.
Ruth’s story is one of talent, perseverance, and larger-than-life ambition, and it continues to inspire athletes and fans alike.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- He played for the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and Boston Braves.
- He hit 714 home runs during his career.
- He set a single-season home run record of 60 in 1927.
