April 27th: Anniversary of Babe Ruth Day

On this day in 1947, the Yankees honored Babe Ruth at the house that he built, Yankee Stadium. The event was held to pay tribute to the baseball star who was nearing the end of his life as a result of cancer. Over 58,000 fans appeared at Yankee Stadium to give their regards to the baseball legend.

The New York Times reported about Ruth’s appearance: “Just before he spoke, Ruth started to cough and it appeared that he might break down because of the thunderous cheers that came his way. But once he started to talk, he was all right, still the champion. It was the many men who surrounded him on the field, players, newspaper and radio persons, who choked up.”