Yes, I know that the first World Series was in 1903. I didn’t think they could have gone all the way to 1923 before anyone hit a home run in a World Series game (even if home runs were much rarer before Babe Ruth came along). In 1909 Ty Cobb had the most home runs in the major leagues—9.
Hall of Famer Frank “Home Run” Baker earned his nickname by hitting 12 one year.
Ruth is first in OPS and WAR. He hit first home run in Yankee Stadium, and on opening day, 1923. First home run in an All Star game, 1934. First to hit 3 home runs in a WS game and he did it twice, 1926 and 1928.
He still holds the record in hitting for distance contests, hitting one 427 feet at the Polo Grounds. Interesting to note that Hank Aaron had almost 4,000 more at bats than Ruth. He led the league in home runs 12 times. He led the league in slugging 13 times. He twice hit more home runs in a season than any team in the American League. His lifetime slugging average was .690!
His lifetime winning percentage as a pitcher was .671, 94 - 46. And believe it or not he has the best winning percentage against the Yankees. As a pitcher for the Red Sox his record against the Yankees was 17-5, .773. He was 5-0 pitching for the Yankees. You get the idea. He was the greatest ever and he did it on hot dogs and beer.
And please note, Ruth didn’t take any of the following:
The cream and the clear,” two designer steroids distributed by BALCO.
Human growth hormone allegedly sold on the black market by cancer patients to whom it was legitimately prescribed.
Insulin, which reportedly enhances the bodybuilding effects of growth hormone.
Testosterone decanoate, a steroid often nicknamed “Mexican beans” or “Red beans.”
Trenbolone, a steroid typically used in livestock, especially cattle.
Stanozolol, sold under the brand name Winstrol.
Clomid, a drug normally prescribed for infertility used to restore serum testosterone levels following steroid supplementation.
Deca-Durabolin, a common steroid used by bodybuilders.
Norbolethone, a steroid developed for the meat industry in the 1960s, and tested for treatment of some conditions in humans, but never marketed because of doubts about its safety. This drug was the original foundation of “the clear,” which was reformulated at least twice.