Babe Ruth, one of the most iconic figures in sports history, had an estimated net worth of $800,000 at the time of his death in 1948, which is roughly $9 million in today’s dollars after inflation.
Despite being one of the most famous athletes of the 20th century, Ruth’s wealth was modest by modern superstar standards, largely due to the era he played in and his extravagant lifestyle.
Ruth spent 22 seasons in Major League Baseball (1914–1935) and is best remembered for his legendary run with the New York Yankees, where he helped transform baseball into America’s most popular sport.
Early Life
Born George Herman Ruth Jr. on February 6, 1895, in Baltimore, Maryland, Babe Ruth grew up in difficult circumstances. One of eight children, only his sister Mamie survived infancy.
At just seven years old, Ruth was sent to St. Mary’s Industrial School for Boys, a reform school where his natural baseball talent was discovered.
Under the guidance of Brother Matthias, Ruth developed into an elite pitcher and hitter. By age 18, he had become the best player at the school and was already attracting professional attention.
Career Beginnings
Ruth began his professional baseball journey in 1914 after signing with the Baltimore Orioles, a minor-league team.
His talent quickly stood out, and later that year, he was sold to the Boston Red Sox, marking the start of his Major League Baseball career.
Initially known as a dominant pitcher, Ruth soon revealed his unmatched power at the plate, setting the stage for a historic transformation of the game.
Boston Red Sox Era (1914–1919)
Ruth made his MLB debut with the Boston Red Sox in 1914 and quickly established himself as one of the league’s top pitchers. He helped Boston win multiple World Series titles and gradually transitioned into a full-time hitter.
In 1919, Ruth broke the MLB single-season home run record, foreshadowing the power-hitting revolution that would define his career.
New York Yankees And Legendary Stardom
In December 1919, Ruth was famously traded to the New York Yankees, a move that sparked the infamous “Curse of the Bambino” for the Red Sox.
With the Yankees, Ruth became a global sports sensation. Over 15 seasons, he led the team to seven American League pennants and four World Series titles, drawing massive crowds and elevating baseball’s popularity nationwide.
His most iconic season came in 1927, when he hit 60 home runs as part of the legendary “Murderers’ Row” lineup, widely regarded as the greatest team in baseball history.
Contracts, Salaries & Career Earnings
Babe Ruth earned approximately $856,850 in MLB salary over his career—an enormous sum for his era and equivalent to nearly $18.7 million today.
Notable Salary Milestones
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1914: $1,300 (MLB debut)
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1920: $10,000 (Yankees debut)
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1922–1924: $52,000 annually (record-breaking contract)
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1930–1931: $80,000 annually — highest-paid athlete in sports
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1934: $35,000 (final Yankees season)
Ruth famously joked about earning more than U.S. President Herbert Hoover, saying, “I had a better year than he did.”
Endorsements And Off-Field Income
Ruth was one of the first true commercial sports celebrities. He often earned more from endorsements than from baseball salaries.
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Endorsed brands like Spalding and Chevrolet
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Earned $100,000 from a 12-week vaudeville tour in 1926
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Appeared in films, stage shows, and public exhibitions
In 1927 alone, Ruth earned an estimated $164,915, equivalent to about $2.4 million today.
Boston Braves And Retirement
After leaving the Yankees, Ruth joined the Boston Braves in 1935. Although he showed flashes of brilliance, age and lifestyle caught up with him.
He retired later that season, officially ending one of the most celebrated careers in sports history.
Personal Life And Death
Ruth’s personal life was often turbulent. He married twice and was frequently in the headlines for heavy drinking and womanizing. In 1946, he was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer.
Despite briefly improving, his health declined, and Babe Ruth passed away on August 16, 1948, at the age of 53.
Legacy
Babe Ruth’s legacy transcends baseball. He was:
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A founding inductee of the Baseball Hall of Fame (1936)
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Named Baseball’s Greatest Player by The Sporting News
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Ranked the #1 North American Athlete of the 20th Century by ESPN
His memorabilia remains among the most valuable in sports history, and his influence on modern athletics is immeasurable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Babe Ruth the highest-paid baseball player ever?
He was the highest-paid player of his era, earning more than any other athlete in the 1920s and early 1930s.
How much did Babe Ruth earn in his best season?
In 1927, Ruth earned approximately $164,915, including salary, bonuses, and endorsements.
Why wasn’t Babe Ruth richer compared to modern athletes?
Athlete salaries and endorsement opportunities were limited during his era, and Ruth’s lavish lifestyle also impacted his long-term wealth.