Net Worth Ranker
What Was Babe Ruth’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death on August 16, 1948, George Herman “Babe” Ruth Jr., the iconic American professional baseball player, possessed a net worth of $800,000. When adjusted for inflation to reflect today’s economy (2025), this sum is equivalent to approximately $9 million. This figure encapsulates the culmination of his earnings over a career spanning 22 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1914 to 1935.
Babe Ruth’s Baseball Earnings and Endorsements
Babe Ruth’s financial success was driven by both his baseball salary and endorsement deals. His peak salary year was 1927 when he earned $70,000. In addition to his salary, he earned another $90,000 from endorsements. Combined, this totals $160,000 for the year, which is equal to approximately $2.5 million in today’s dollars when adjusted for inflation. While detailed breakdowns of all of his endorsements are not fully available, this data illustrates his significant earning potential during his career.
Throughout his MLB career, Babe Ruth played for three teams: the Boston Red Sox (1914-1919), the New York Yankees (1920-1934), and the Boston Braves (1935). His time with the Yankees was particularly lucrative, contributing significantly to his net worth due to increased salary and endorsement opportunities.
Early Life and Beginnings
George Herman Ruth Jr. was born on February 6, 1895, in Baltimore, Maryland, to George Herman Ruth Sr. and Katherine Schamberger Ruth. Out of eight siblings, only Babe Ruth and his sister Mamie survived infancy. At the young age of seven, Ruth was sent to St. Mary’s Industrial School for Boys, an orphanage and reformatory. This institution played a pivotal role in shaping his early life. It was here, under the tutelage of Brother Matthias Boutlier, that Ruth began to develop his baseball skills. Brother Matthias not only taught Ruth the fundamentals of the game but also served as a father figure, guiding him in both baseball and life. Prior to St. Mary’s, Ruth had minimal parental supervision and had begun to become delinquent.
Ruth’s mother passed away when he was 12. By the time he was 18, Ruth had established himself as the best pitcher at St. Mary’s. He was permitted to play weekend community games away from the school. In 1914, Ruth signed with the minor-league Baltimore Orioles, marking the official start of his professional career. His first appearance saw him playing shortstop and pitching the final two innings of a 15-9 win. In an exhibition game against the Philadelphia Phillies, he further demonstrated his abilities, quickly gaining recognition as a star pitcher. This early exposure and success contributed to his rapid ascent in the baseball world and, ultimately, to his financial prosperity.
Babe Ruth’s Career Highlights and Achievements
Ruth’s career was marked by numerous milestones and accolades that significantly boosted his earnings and popularity. In July 1914, Ruth joined the Boston Red Sox, winning his first game as a pitcher against the Cleveland Naps. He became known as one of the league’s most brilliant pitchers and a formidable hitter. By 1919, he broke the MLB single-season home run record, enhancing his appeal and financial prospects.
His trade to the New York Yankees in December 1919 was a pivotal moment. Over his 15-year tenure with the Yankees, Ruth helped the team win seven American League (AL) pennants and four World Series titles. His captivating performances led to increased attendance at baseball games, further solidifying his status and financial standing. During the 1927 season, Ruth hit 60 home runs, contributing to the Yankees’ World Series victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. He concluded his career with the Yankees having played over 2,000 games and breaking multiple batting records.
In February 1935, Ruth was traded to the Boston Braves. Although his time with the Braves was short-lived, it marked a symbolic return to Boston. His final game was on May 30, 1935. Ruth’s baseball achievements are extensive and include: seven World Series championships (three with the Red Sox and four with the Yankees), two-time All-Star, twelve-time American League home run champion, the AL MVP award in 1923, and the AL batting championship in 1924. In 1936, Ruth was part of the inaugural class of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. He was named Baseball’s Greatest Player by The Sporting News and the #1 North American Athlete of the 20th Century by ESPN SportsCentury. These achievements not only cemented his legacy but also significantly contributed to his financial success during and after his playing career through endorsements and public appearances.
Personal Life and Final Years
In 1914, Babe Ruth married Helen Woodford, and they adopted a daughter named Dorothy before separating in 1925. In 1929, three months after Woodford’s death in a house fire, Ruth married actress and model Claire Merritt Hodgson. Through this marriage, he gained a stepdaughter named Julia. Ruth’s personal life was often scrutinized by the press due to his drinking and womanizing.
In 1946, Ruth was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma after experiencing severe pain over his left eye. He underwent drug and radiation treatments, losing 80 pounds. Although his condition improved temporarily in 1947, he passed away in August 1948 at the age of 53. Despite his health issues, Ruth remained a prominent public figure, promoting the Ford Motor Company and supporting the war effort during World War II. While detailed records of his personal expenditures are not available, it is known that he enjoyed playing golf, a hobby he had started at age 20. After his death, a granite monument of Ruth was unveiled in center field of Yankee Stadium in 1949, marking his monumental status in baseball history.
