Babe Ruth Quiz

Babe Ruth was originally a pitcher.

• Fact

• Fiction

Answer explanation

Ruth was scouted for the minor league Baltimore Orioles (no relation to the modern team).

Babe Ruth's first Major League team was the New York Yankees

• Fact

• Fiction

Answer explanation

Babe Ruth's first MLB game was with the Boston Red Sox.

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Babe Ruth hit 54 home runs in 1920.

• Fact

• Fiction

Answer explanation

With 54 home runs during the 1920 season, Ruth broke his own record of 29 HRs he set in 1919.

Before Ruth's 1919 season, the single-season record was 27 HRs, held by Ned Williamson of the Chicago White Stockings.

Williamson set the record during the 1884 season.

Yankee Stadium opened in 1921.

• Fact

• Fiction

Answer explanation

The original Yankee Stadium opened in 1923.

Sadly, the "House that Ruth Built" was demolished in 2010 for a new stadium built on lot next door.

Hal Steinbrenner, may you never find peace for this crime against American culture.

Tags

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In 1921, Babe Ruth had what most believe was the greatest statistical year in MLB history.

• Fact

• Fiction

Answer explanation

In 1921, Ruth led the league in 9 statistical categories.

Ruth hit 59 homers, batted in 168 runs, scored 177 times, and batted .377 while taking 145 walks.

Every time he made a plate appearance, there was a 51.2% chance he would get on base

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In 1922, the Yankees lost the World Series.

• Fact

• Fiction

Answer explanation

The Yankees lost to the New York Giants.

In the best-of-seven series, the Yankees only won one game.

Tags

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The 1927 Yankees won 110 games.

• Fact

• Fiction

Answer explanation

At the time, it was the second-most wins ever by an MLB team.

The record was, and still is, held by the 1906 Chicago Cubs with 116 wins (which was tied by the 2001 Seattle Mariners).

In 1927, Babe Ruth hit 60 home runs.

• Fact

• Fiction

Answer explanation

Babe Ruth's 1927 single-season home run record would not be surpassed until 1961, when Roger Maris hit 61.

Babe Ruth wore uniform number "4".

• Fact

• Fiction

Answer explanation

Babe Ruth wore number 3. His number became a favorite of kids who wanted to be just like the slugger; similar to how basketball players wear 23 in emulation of Michael Jordan.

Tags

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Babe Ruth only played for two teams - the Red Sox and Yankees.

• Fact

• Fiction

Answer explanation

An aging Ruth played a single season for the Boston Braves (now the Atlanta Braves) in 1935.

The 40-year-old Ruth only played in 28 games, batted .181, and hit 6 home runs.

Despite this, he was still statistically an above-average ballplayer with an OPS+ of 118!

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