George Herman “Babe” Ruth, Jr. was a renowned American professional baseball player who played for the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees during his 22-year career in Major League Baseball. Regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, he earned several awards and accolades throughout his career, which include two All-Star selections and a World Series championship with the Yankees. He also set numerous records and holds many statistical categories. Following his retirement from the sport in 1935, he went on to become an entrepreneur and investor, ultimately achieving immense success outside of baseball. As such, we are here today to answer the question: what is Babe Ruth’s net worth?
Early Life & Career Beginnings
Ruth was born in 1895 to parents Kate Schamberger and George Herman Ruth, Sr., in Baltimore, Maryland. From an early age, he showed tremendous aptitude for sports, particularly baseball. This led him to sign up for St. Mary’s Industrial School for Boys at the age of seven. While attending this school, he was introduced to the game of baseball by Brother Matthias Boutlier, who coached him until 1913 when he signed up for minor league team called the Baltimore Orioles. His impressive performance there saw him get promoted to major league teams like the Boston Red Sox and then later to the New York Yankees.
Career Highlights & Accomplishments
During his playing days, Ruth achieved incredible successes that put him on top of the list of some of the best players ever to have graced the field. Between 1914 and 1935, he managed to record 2,873 hits including 714 home runs which remain a record till date. Additionally, he has made multiple appearances in the MLB All-Stars Game between 1924 and 1933. These accomplishments eventually earned him entry into the National Baseball Hall of Fame where he was inducted as one of its earliest members in 1936.
Endorsements & Earnings Throughout His Lifetime
In addition to his playing salary, Ruth managed to make quite a significant amount from endorsement deals during his heyday. In 1923 alone, he made about $50K through various endorsements; an incredibly large sum given that it is equivalent to more than $600K today. On top of that, he had stock investments and other business ventures which significantly contributed towards increasing his wealth. By the time he retired from active playing duties in 1935, Ruth had already accumulated a hefty net worth estimated at over $3 million dollars ($48 million today).
Personal Investments & Properties Acquired
Ruth did not only focus on earning money but also worked hard to grow it through wise investments and acquisitions. During his lifetime, he owned several properties ranging from houses and farms spread across different parts of America. He also invested in stocks and bonds as well as ran businesses like bars and restaurants that generated income for him. By 1938, his net worth had grown to approximately $7 million dollars ($117 million today).
Legal Battles & Divorce Settlements
Ruth encountered several legal battles throughout his life due to issues related to taxes and debts resulting from failed investments. Most notable among them was the case involving his divorce from his first wife Helen Woodford which cost him more than $500K in alimony payments plus other costs. Despite these setbacks however, he still managed to keep his fortune relatively intact.
His Legacy Today & His Final Net Worth
Babe Ruth passed away in 1948 aged 53 after suffering from cancer but left behind a rich legacy both on and off the field. At the time of his death, his net worth was estimated at around $5 million ($80 million today) with most of it coming from salaries and bonuses received while playing baseball alongside other personal investments and properties acquired.
In Conclusion & Reflections on His Success
Despite being known primarily as one of the greatest baseball players in history, Babe Ruth was also a shrewd investor who knew how to maximize profits while minimizing losses thereby leaving behind an enormous legacy even after his death. His tremendous success story serves as inspiration to generations of entrepreneurs who want to make something out of their talents.
Related Post Ideas & Resources for Further Reading
- The 5 Business Ventures That Helped Make Babe Ruth A Millionaire
- A Look Into The Philanthropic Efforts Of Babe Ruth
- How Did Babe Ruth Impact The Modern Day Sport Of Baseball?
- An Analysis Of The Statistics Behind Babe Ruth’s Legendary Baseball Career
- Why Was Babe Ruth Nicknamed “The Bambino”?
Conclusion
In conclusion, Babe Ruth’s net worth at the time of his death stood at an estimated $5 million dollars ($80 million today). While his earnings mainly came from his years spent playing baseball, Ruth was also a successful businessman who used his investments and properties wisely in order to create lasting financial security for himself and those around him.