The Babe Ruth Story

In 1906, at the Baltimore Waterfront, 11-year-old George Herman Ruth Jr. is taken away from his abusive father by Brother Matthias and placed in the care of St. Mary's. The move marks the beginning of Ruth's long, dramatic journey away from his troubled home. He begins building a future where baseball can offer an escape.

At age 18, Ruth's prodigious talent earns him a spot with the Baltimore Orioles, launching his professional baseball career. During his interview, he receives the nickname 'Babe' for his larger-than-life persona. He quickly rises as a remarkable talent drawing attention from fans and scouts alike.

Ruth is sold to the Boston Red Sox, where his raw power starts making waves beyond Baltimore. He becomes a central figure on the team, captivating crowds with his slugging and charisma. His growing fame paves the way for bigger contracts and national attention.

After a tough game, Ruth vents at a bar where Claire Hodgson suggests that his curveball has a tell—he sticks out his tongue when delivering the pitch. The moment hints at the personality behind the legend and gives him a new approach to pitching. The exchange plants the seeds for a future partnership.

Ruth lands a lucrative contract worth $10,000, signaling his arrival as one of baseball's top players. He seeks out Claire Hodgson, only to face a cool reception that foreshadows personal tensions. He continues to chase success on the field while navigating the evolving relationship.

During a game, Denny, a sick paralyzed child, and his father watch Ruth play from the stands. Ruth greets the boy with 'Hiya, kid,' and the child is miraculously cured, standing up to the awe of the crowd. The moment cements Ruth's mythic status and close bond with fans.

Ruth moves to the New York Yankees, instantly becoming the team's most iconic star. His power hitting and personality redefine the franchise and draw millions of fans to the ballpark. The Yankees' fortunes rise with him at the center.

In a controversial moment, Ruth accidentally injures a dog and rushes it and its young owner to the hospital. He argues with doctors that a dog deserves care as much as a person, but leaves the game, earning a suspension. The incident fuels debate about his off-field responsibilities and loyalty to fans.

During a period of doubt, Ruth spends time in a bar where a gambler pressures him to throw a game. He ends up in a confrontation and is arrested, tarnishing his image at a critical career juncture. The setback tests his resolve to be a role model for fans and players alike.

To inspire the young fans, Ruth volunteers as Santa Claus at a children's hospital. Claire returns to remind him that his actions affect the children of America, a realization that motivates his later choices. He resolves to use his fame for good beyond the field.

Miller Huggins fights to bring Ruth back to the Yankees, and his return helps the team win the World Series. The victory anchors Ruth's heroic status in baseball lore. After this triumph, Ruth marries Claire Hodgson in a ceremony that blends his on-field legend with his personal life.

Shortly after the championship run, Yankees manager Miller Huggins dies from pyemia. His death leaves a leadership void and foreshadows changes in Ruth's career and the franchise. Ruth pays tribute to his former mentor amid the evolving team dynamics.

In Game 3 of the 1932 World Series, Ruth makes the famous called shot to honor a dying child and his father, promising that the next pitch will land at a specific spot. The moment resonates with fans and cements Ruth's legacy as a symbol of hope. The crowd hears the prophecy as the ball lands in the intended place.

Ruth retires from the Yankees at 41 and takes a management role with the Boston Braves, though they would have preferred him as a player. He struggles with the transition and ultimately leaves his playing days behind him. The move signals the end of a vibrant era on the field and the beginning of a new chapter in leadership.

Suffering neck pain, Ruth learns he is dying of throat cancer. Fans flood him with letters of support as doctors attempt a treatment with a real chance of survival. As he is taken into surgery, a narrator acknowledges Ruth's profound impact on baseball and American culture.