What If Babe Ruth Had Continued To Pitch?

By Oliver Wiener May 14, 2024 05:34

Photo by Library of Congress/Getty Images

Babe Ruth is widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time. His prowess as a hitter is legendary, and he is often celebrated for revolutionizing the game with his home run-hitting ability. But what if Babe Ruth had continued to pitch alongside his hitting career?

This hypothetical scenario raises intriguing questions about the impact it could have had on baseball history.

Babe Ruth's Early Pitching Career

Babe Ruth began his career as a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, where he quickly gained recognition for his exceptional pitching abilities.

During his time with the Red Sox, Ruth established himself as one of the most dominant pitchers in the league. His powerful left arm and pinpoint accuracy made him a formidable opponent on the mound.

Transition to Hitting

Despite his success as a pitcher, Babe Ruth's destiny took a significant turn when he also started showcasing his hitting prowess.

His ability to hit towering home runs captured the attention of fans and the baseball community.

As a result, Ruth's focus gradually shifted from pitching to becoming a full-time position player.

Impact on the Game

If Babe Ruth had continued to pitch while maintaining his hitting capabilities, the landscape of baseball could have been dramatically altered. Here are several compelling aspects to consider:

Pitching Dominance: Ruth's exceptional pitching skills could have elevated him to the status of an all-time pitching great. His imposing presence on the mound, combined with his powerful left arm, could have rewritten pitching records and left an indelible mark on the history of pitching.
Two-Way Players: Ruth's dual role as a hitter and pitcher could have inspired future generations of players to pursue similar paths. The concept of two-way players, who excel both on the mound and at the plate, might have become more prevalent in baseball, reshaping traditional player roles.
Team Strategies: The presence of Ruth as a dual-threat player would have forced opposing teams to adapt their strategies. Managers and coaches would have had to devise game plans specifically tailored to counter Ruth's exceptional abilities both as a hitter and a pitcher.
Historical Comparisons: Ruth's legacy as a hitter is already firmly established, but if he had maintained his pitching career, comparisons to other legendary pitchers of his era would undoubtedly have emerged. Discussions about Ruth's place among the greatest pitchers in baseball history would have added another layer to his illustrious career.

Evolution of Baseball

The concept of a player excelling as both a hitter and a pitcher has always captivated baseball enthusiasts.

The hypothetical scenario of Babe Ruth continuing to pitch would have undoubtedly left an enduring impact on the evolution of the sport.

Modern-day Implications

In today's game, the rise of two-way players such as Shohei Ohtani has reignited the fascination with the possibility of a player excelling in both pitching and hitting.

If Babe Ruth had set a precedent as a two-way star in his era, the influence on the current baseball landscape could have been profound.

Final Thoughts

While Babe Ruth's decision to focus on hitting undoubtedly cemented his status as a baseball icon, the thought of him continuing to pitch alongside his hitting career sparks endless speculation and fascination.

The game of baseball would have been forever altered by the presence of a dual-threat player of Ruth's caliber, leaving an indelible mark on the sport's history.

The "what if" scenario of Babe Ruth maintaining his pitching career alongside his hitting exploits is a captivating topic that invites contemplation about the potential impact on baseball's evolution and the enduring legacy of one of the game's most iconic figures.