On August 18, 1929, Babe Ruth, one of the greatest baseball players of all time, hit his 500th career home run. The historic moment took place at League Park in Cleveland, Ohio, during a game between the New York Yankees and the Cleveland Indians.
Ruth stepped up to the plate in the second inning facing Indians pitcher Willis Hudlin. With a mighty swing, Ruth sent the ball soaring over the right field wall, becoming the first player in Major League Baseball history to reach the incredible milestone of 500 home runs.
The crowd erupted in cheers as Ruth rounded the bases, and his teammates greeted him with enthusiastic congratulations when he reached the dugout. The home run was a testament to Ruth's unparalleled skill and power, solidifying his status as a baseball legend.
Interestingly, the ball Ruth hit for his 500th home run was later lost. According to some accounts, a young boy retrieved the ball and later had Ruth sign it. However, the whereabouts of that historic ball remain unknown to this day.
Babe Ruth finished his illustrious career with 714 home runs, a record that stood for decades until it was broken by Hank Aaron in 1974. Ruth's impact on the game of baseball cannot be overstated, as he revolutionized the sport with his incredible hitting ability and larger-than-life personality.
The legacy of Babe Ruth and his 500th home run continues to inspire baseball players and fans around the world, and August 18, 1929, will always be remembered as a momentous day in sports history.
