A vintage baseball glove resting on a weathered wooden bench, with a well-worn baseball beside it, under soft natural lighting in a lush green park setting

National Babe Ruth Day is an annual celebration honoring one of baseball’s greatest legends, George Herman “Babe” Ruth Jr. This special day commemorates his extraordinary contributions to America’s favorite pastime and his enduring legacy in sports history.

Quick Facts

  • When is it: April 27
  • Tagged as: Baseball, Sports History, American Culture
  • What’s the hashtag: #BabeRuthDay
  • When was it founded: 1947
  • Who founded it: Albert “Happy” Chandler, Commissioner of Baseball

History

The day was first established in 1947 when Baseball Commissioner Happy Chandler declared April 27 as Babe Ruth Day. The inaugural celebration took place at Yankee Stadium, known as “The House That Ruth Built,” where 58,339 fans gathered to honor the ailing baseball legend. Despite battling throat cancer, Ruth delivered a memorable speech that was broadcast to every Major and Minor League stadium across the nation.

Timeline

  • 1895: Born in Baltimore, Maryland
  • 1914: Signed with Baltimore Orioles
  • 1920: Joined New York Yankees
  • 1923: Yankees build new stadium dubbed “House that Ruth Built”
  • 1932: Famous “Called Shot” in World Series
  • 1947: First Babe Ruth Day celebration
  • 1948: Final appearance at Yankee Stadium

Dates for Next Year

YearMonthDateDay
2025April27Sunday
2026April27Monday
2027April27Tuesday
2028April27Thursday
2029April27Friday

How It’s Observed

Baseball fans nationwide celebrate by watching games, visiting baseball museums, playing catch, and sharing stories about the Sultan of Swat. Many stadiums hold special ceremonies and commemorative events.

Fun Facts About Babe Ruth

  • His parents spoke German at home
  • He trained as a shirtmaker and carpenter in reform school
  • He started his career as a pitcher before becoming a legendary hitter
  • The Yankees built a new stadium due to his massive following
  • He hit 714 career home runs

Quiz

  1. What was Babe Ruth’s birth name?
  2. Which team did Ruth play for first?
  3. What was the nickname of Yankee Stadium?
  4. In what year was the first Babe Ruth Day?

(Answers: 1. George Herman Ruth Jr. 2. Boston Red Sox 3. The House That Ruth Built 4. 1947)

FAQs

Q: Why was Babe Ruth Day created?
A: To honor Ruth while he was battling cancer and celebrate his contributions to baseball.

Q: What happened at the first Babe Ruth Day?
A: Ruth gave a speech at Yankee Stadium to 58,339 fans, which was broadcast nationwide.

Related Celebrations

  • Baseball Opening Day
  • National Baseball Day
  • Baseball Hall of Fame Day
  • Yankees Heritage Day
  • American Sports History Month