BABE RUTH
PROGRAM TOOLKIT FOR AMERICAN SPACES
This toolkit is designed for programming at American Spaces to support sports diplomacy through the intersection of sports, culture, and American history.
Babe Ruth pitching for the Boston Red Sox during a game between 1914 to 1919.
Babe Ruth as a member of the New York Yankees, photograph signed “Yours Truly”, circa July 23, 1920.
MORE RESOURCES
Videos and Digital Media
The Babe (115 minutes)* – John Goodman portrays Babe Ruth in this biopic focusing on his complex personality.
The Babe & The Iron Horse (44 minutes)* – documentary featuring rarely-seen footage and photos, this video examines the lives and careers of two enduring American Heroes – Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.
Overdrive Resources
Consider organizing discussions, English conversation clubs, scavenger hunts, and displays about the following book. These programs and displays can also be an opportunity to promote individual eLibraryUSA accounts. Regularly highlighting one book or magazine on your social media platforms can generate online discussion and spark interest in eLibraryUSA.
The Big Fella: Babe Ruth and the World He Created | OverDrive
Babe Ruth lived in the spotlight and became one of the first modern sports stars. He used a heavy bat, broke records, earned a lot of money, and sometimes paid big fines. With help from his manager, he learned how to handle fame and the media. Ruth’s life included many travels, from Baltimore to Boston to New York, and many tours to meet fans. In The Big Fella, writer Jane Leavy uses interviews and family records to show the real man behind the legend.
Articles
Babe Ruth Day.
Prologue: Pieces of History (U.S. National Archives blog)
2024
How Babe Ruth Changed Baseball
Smithsonian Magazine
2011
Seven Babe Ruth Facts from the National Portrait Gallery
Smithsonian Institution
2016
Why Was Babe Ruth So Good at Hitting Home Runs?
Smithsonian Magazine
2017
Online Exhibit
Babe Ruth | National Baseball Hall of Fame
This webpage from the National Baseball Hall of Fame shares a biography of Babe Ruth, highlighting his rise from a young pitcher with the Boston Red Sox to one of baseball’s most famous sluggers. It explains his achievements, impact on the sport, and why he is remembered as one of the most celebrated athletes of his time.
INTRODUCTION
George Herman “Babe” Ruth (February 6, 1895 – August 16, 1948) was an American professional baseball player whose career in Major League Baseball (MLB) spanned 22 seasons, from 1914 through 1935. He achieved his greatest fame as an outfielder for the New York Yankees. Ruth is regarded as one of the greatest sports heroes in American culture and many people consider him to be the greatest baseball player of all time. April 27 is National Babe Ruth Day. Commissioner of Baseball Albert “Happy” Chandler proclaimed it on April 27, 1947, and Ruth’s career was celebrated at Yankee Stadium.
LESSON PLAN
Education Curriculum | The National Baseball Hall of Fame
The National Baseball Hall of Fame offers a variety of baseball-themed lesson plans using baseball to teach mathematics, social studies, science, arts, and character education.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Babe Ruth became one of the first modern sports celebrities. How did his fame help shape the image of American sports and popular culture around the world?
- Baseball is often called “America’s pastime.” What does Babe Ruth’s popularity tell us about American identity and national pride in the early 20th century?
- Babe Ruth broke records, earned large salaries, and worked closely with the media. How did his career show the connection between sports, business, and entertainment in the United States?
- Babe Ruth came from a difficult childhood and became a national hero. What American values—such as hard work, ambition, or determination—can we see in his life story?
KEY DEFINITIONS
ambition
A strong desire to succeed or achieve something.
baseball
A team sport played with a bat and ball, often called “America’s pastime.”
celebrity
A very famous person known by the public and media.
home run
When a player hits the ball out of the field and scores by running around all the bases.
legacy
What a person is remembered for after they die; their lasting impact.
Major League Baseball (MLB)
The highest level of professional baseball in the United States.
outfielder
A baseball player who stands in the outer part of the field and catches long hits.
pitcher
The player who throws the ball to the batter to start each play. Babe Ruth began his career as a pitcher.
record
The best performance in a sport, such as most home runs in a season.
role model
A person others look up to and try to learn from.
sports hero
An athlete admired by many people for talent, success, and personality.
DISCLAIMER
The views expressed in these links and resources do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. government.
* Post may need to procure these films. Not all films are appropriate for all audiences. Coordinators should preview films before showing them. American Spaces have the right to screen Kanopy films (available through eLibraryUSA) at their American Space if the film has public performance rights. Other films must be covered by the MPLC license.
Here is more information on showing films at American Spaces.
Updated April 2026
