August 11, 1929 – Babe Ruth Hit His 500th Homerun

August 11

Copy of Babe Ruth in 1916

Nicknamed “the Bambino” and “Sultan of the Swat,” Babe Ruth’s monikers were a testament to his larger-than-life persona and unparalleled hitting prowess. His 500th home run, a historic moment at Cleveland’s League Park on August 11, 1929, was a record that took decades to beat, solidifying his status as a baseball legend.

Fun Facts

  • Babe Ruth was born on February 6th, 1895, and passed away on August 16, 1948.
  • His real name was German Herman “Babe” Ruth. He was a professional baseball player with an unbeatable career in Major League Baseball.
  • Babe Ruth’s name was synonymous with baseball excellence for an impressive 22 seasons, from 1914 to 1935.
  • Babe Ruth’s career was a constellation of milestones that cemented his status as a baseball legend. His 500th homerun, a historic moment at Cleveland’s League Park, was just the beginning. He would make 714 home runs in his career, a record that stood unchallenged for decades.
  • This record would remain unbeaten until 1974, when Aaron broke it and set his record. Since then, Barry Bonds has broken both records. He retired in 2007 with 762 career homers.
  • Babe Ruth’s record of 60 home runs, set in 1927, remained unbroken for over three and a half decades, a testament to his dominance in the sport and the lasting impact of his legacy until Roger Maris finally surpassed it in 1961.
  • Babe Ruth’s career was a journey that saw him play for the Boston Red Sox (1914-1919), New York (1920-1934), and Boston Braves (1935). His ability to shine in different teams only added to his legend, demonstrating his adaptability and the breadth of his impact on the sport.
  • His last MLB appearance was on May 30th, 1935
  • He later worked as a coach for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1938.