On September 21, 1947, one of the most iconic sporting events in American history took place at the Polo Grounds in New York City. It was on this day that the New York Yankees' slugger, Babe Ruth, bid farewell to his adoring fans in a moving ceremony.
Babe Ruth, known as "The Sultan of Swat," had an illustrious 22-year career in Major League Baseball, setting numerous records and cementing his status as a legend of the game. He played for three teams - the Boston Red Sox, the New York Yankees, and the Boston Braves - and his larger-than-life personality and incredible skill on the field made him a household name.
During the ceremony, over 58,000 fans packed the stadium to pay their respects to the ailing baseball hero. Ruth, who had been battling cancer, was visibly weak and had to use a bat as a cane to support himself. Despite his frail appearance, Ruth's presence on the field electrified the crowd.
When he stepped up to the microphone to address his fans, Ruth's voice was barely audible. However, his words were powerful and heartfelt. He expressed his gratitude to the fans, saying, "You know how bad my voice sounds. Well, it feels just as bad. You know this baseball game of ours comes up from the youth. That means the boys. And after you're a boy and grow up to play ball, then you come to the boys you see representing themselves today in your national pastime."
The ceremony was a fitting tribute to a man who had given so much to the sport of baseball. Babe Ruth's legacy continues to inspire generations of players and fans alike, and his farewell speech on September 21, 1947, remains one of the most poignant moments in sports history.
