How Many Home Runs Did Babe Ruth Hit Compared to Other MLB Players at His Time?
Babe Ruth, also known as "The Bambino," is widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time. One of his most notable achievements is his impressive home run tally. But how did Ruth's home run output compare to other Major League Baseball (MLB) players during his era?
Ruth's Home Run Dominance
During his 22-year career, which spanned from 1914 to 1935, Ruth hit a total of 714 home runs. This placed him far ahead of his contemporaries. For example, Lou Gehrig, Ruth's teammate for many years, ranked second with 493 home runs. Jimmie Foxx, another contemporary, had 534 home runs.
Percentage of Home Runs
To put Ruth's home run dominance into perspective, he accounted for a staggering 21.3% of all home runs hit in the MLB during his career. In 1930, his total of 54 home runs alone accounted for nearly 13% of all home runs league-wide.
Reasons for Ruth's Success
Several factors contributed to Ruth's home run prowess. He had a powerful left-handed swing, which allowed him to generate tremendous power. He was also a disciplined hitter, with an exceptional eye for the strike zone. Additionally, the "live-ball era" in baseball during the 1920s and 1930s contributed to the increase in home runs, benefiting Ruth's statistics.
FAQs
- How many home runs did Lou Gehrig hit? 493
- Who held the home run record before Ruth? Roger Connor with 138
- What was the highest number of home runs Ruth hit in a single season? 60 in 1927
- Did Ruth ever pitch? Yes, he pitched as a sidearm pitcher in his early career
- Is Ruth considered the greatest baseball player ever? He is widely considered one of the greatest, alongside players like Willie Mays and Hank Aaron
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