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The Legendary Bambino
By : Becky Katz
George Herman "Babe" Ruth was born Feb. 6, 1895 in Baltimore, Maryland, and would grow up to change the history of baseball forever—setting records for home runs, pitching and baseball player salaries.
You can relive the early years and accomplishments of this great player—also known as "The Great Bambino" and "The Wali of Wallop"—at the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum, which is just a long fly ball from Oriole Park.
"The historic Babe Ruth Birthplace, the original home of America's greatest and most celebrated athlete, features an array of unique Ruthian memorabilia that helps the museum interpret the life and times of baseball's all-time slugger, as well as why his legacy bulldozes its way through modern sports culture," says Mike Gibbons, executive director of the museum.
Located in the row house where Babe Ruth was born, the museum houses an exhibit honoring members of the "500 Home Run Club"; a display about Ruth's childhood at the St. Mary's School for Boys, where his extraordinary aptitude for baseball was discovered; a collection of Orioles baseball cards from 1914, including Babe Ruth's rookie card; and the bedroom where Ruth was born. Also on display is the "714 Club," which details Ruth's notable home run history, and many cherished mementos, including bats, balls and photographs.
It's also worth taking a short walk over to Oriole Park, home of the Baltimore Orioles, where you can catch a game during season or see the Birthplace Museum's sister museum, Sports Legends at Camden Yards. Gibbons says it has "arguably the best collection of state sports memorabilia anywhere, with features on Babe Ruth, Johnny Unitas, Cal Ripken, Michael Phelps and other significant national stars."
Housed in a former train terminal, the museum has 22,000 square feet of interactive exhibits and features displays on the Orioles and the NFL's Baltimore Ravens, the historic importance of Camden Station during the Civil War, women in sports and more. One of the most interesting displays is about the "Curse of the Bambino." According to popular lore, after the Red Sox's owner sold Babe Ruth's contract to the Yankees, the Red Sox were "cursed" and therefore failed to win another World Series until 2004, while the Yankees went on to win 39 American League Pennants and 26 World Series Titles.
baberuthmuseum.com
Book your trip today! Visit www.aa.com, call American/American Eagle reservations at 1-800-433-7300, or call your travel agent for more information.
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