Babe Ruth: Still a Home-Run Champion

During Baseball's early days, base hits and pitching strategy ruled the game. The idea was to slowly add runs by advancing base-runners methodically around the bases. The strategy depended on base hits, bunts and steals but the home-run was not seen often. One season Frank Baker earned the nickname "Homerun" because he hit so many. "Homerun" Baker hit 9 home-runs that season.

George Herman Ruth also had a nickname. He was called "Babe". He was a fantastic pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. Babe Ruth was such a good pitcher that he would have very probably been in the Baseball Hall of Fame if he had stayed in that position. His earned run average was low, he pitched complete games and won many more than he lost. In World Series play, he pitched 3 complete games and won all three. Babe Ruth could do other things well. He could collect base hits and even steal bases but his greatest skill was his ability to hit home-runs.

The game of Baseball would be changed forever with Babe Ruth's home-runs. The owner of the Boston Red Sox needed cash to finance a production so Babe Ruth's contract was sold to the New York Yankees. They would use Babe Ruth in the outfield so he would have more opportunities for hitting home-runs. He would establish new home-run records then go on to break his own records. He hit the first home-run in the newly built Yankee Stadium or "House that Ruth built". In 1927, Babe Ruth smashed 60 home-runs which even today remains a formidable standard for home-run hitters. The very few that reach or surpass that mark have a right to feel pride. Babe Ruth would leave the game as the undisputed Home-run champion.

In 1961, both Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris were hitting many home-runs. The public watched their race to Ruth's mark with eager anticipation. Mickey Mantle was the more popular player. He had been in baseball longer and as the 1956 triple crown winner was a fan favorite. Toward the end of the season Mantle would be sidelined and only Maris remained to challenge the record. Roger Maris would indeed collect 61 home-runs and break Babe Ruth's single season record. The baseball season had been expanded so there would be more games played in 1961 than in 1927. In what many people consider an act of bitterness, the Commissioner of Baseball inserted an asterisk in the record books next to Roger Maris' 61 home-runs.

In the mid 1970's Hank Aaron would approach Babe Ruth's home-run career record. Again the pubic watched but not all supported Aaron's quest. Some complained because Hank Aaron never hit 50 or more home-runs in a season. However, his perseverance came through and his multiple 40 plus home run seasons added up to his breaking the career home-run mark. He would be the new home-run champion. Unfortunately, racism was a factor here. As a black man, Hank Aaron was challenged and pressured by much of the public. There were numerous threats directed toward him if he continued his assault on Babe Ruth's home-run mark.

When Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa both approached a new single season mark the public again followed the race closely. Again there would be controversy. Now we have Barry Bonds and controversy continues. Barry Bonds set a new single season mark which surpassed that established by Mark McGwire and now he is aiming at breaking the career total by Hank Aaron. A major issue here is the alleged use of steroids. Many people do not see Barry Bonds as a hero.

The fact is, all of the players I have mentioned have been sports champions. Regardless of their character, they have persevered in baseball. They have encountered many challenges. Many have been subjected to a public turned against them. Fans hate to see their old heroes fall by the wayside but that is the nature of the game. Certainly, the game of baseball is richer for this kind of challenge.

For more articles on baseball history, feel free to check out the website Boomer Baseball.