Babe Ruth's Legend Lives On: 78 Years Post-Death

Babe Ruth, born George Herman Ruth Jr., passed away on August 16, 1948, at the age of 53. His death was attributed to pneumonia, with an autopsy revealing metastatic nasopharyngeal cancer.

His passing in New York City deeply affected the nation, particularly New York, where thousands of fans flocked to the hospital and later to Yankee Stadium for his wake. An estimated 100,000 mourners paid respects at his two-day wake. His funeral at St. Patrick's Cathedral saw 6,000 attendees inside and 75,000 outside in the rain.

Decades later, Ruth's legacy endures through books, films, and his influence on sports. His gravesite at Gate of Heaven Cemetery remains a popular pilgrimage site, with fans leaving gifts. In 2024, a 1932 World Series jersey worn by Ruth fetched $24.12 million at auction, becoming the most valuable sports memorabilia ever sold.

Beyond baseball records and memorabilia, Ruth is remembered for inspiring the "Curse of the Bambino" for Red Sox fans after his controversial trade to the Yankees. He also pioneered cancer treatment methods, undergoing early forms of chemotherapy and radiation.

Ruth's impact extends to popular culture, with numerous biographies and a biopic, "The Babe," highlighting his extraordinary life and personality. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2018.