Babe Ruth: The Legendary Slugger Who Became A Cancer Pioneer

From the “Sultan of Swat” to the “Colossus of Clout,” no baseball player has inspired more attention-grabbing nicknames than George Herman Ruth. But there’s one moniker for the legendary Babe you might not know: cancer pioneer. Babe Ruth, the fearsome slugger who hit 714 home runs and won seven World Series, battled advanced-stage cancer in the final years of his life. In the process, he became one of the first chemotherapy patients anywhere and helped alter the course of medicine. Friday marks 76 years since his death at age 53, but the findings from his experimental treatment still reverberate in cancer care today.

Ruth's Early Life and Career

Babe Ruth was born in February 1895 and quickly rose to fame in the world of baseball. By the time he turned 30, he had already established himself as a formidable player, winning four World Series titles—three with the Boston Red Sox and one with the New York Yankees. Ruth set a new single-season home run record for three consecutive years, culminating with an astounding 59 home runs in 1921.

Despite his achievements, Ruth had a reputation that extended beyond the baseball diamond. He was known for his indulgent lifestyle, which included excessive eating and drinking. For instance, he was reported to have consumed 12 hot dogs and eight sodas during a doubleheader. His teammate Joe Dugan famously remarked that Ruth's daily routine was filled with "broads and booze," showcasing a lifestyle that did not prioritize health.

Health Challenges and Turning Points

Ruth's extravagant lifestyle eventually took its toll on his health. In April 1925, while traveling with the Yankees for an exhibition game, he collapsed at a train station, claiming to feel "indisposed." Initially diagnosed with acute indigestion, rumors circulated about his health, leading to surgeries to address an intestinal abscess and ulcer.

These health challenges forced Ruth to reevaluate his lifestyle. After a suspension from the Yankees for misconduct, he began taking better care of himself. His dedication paid off; his batting average improved dramatically, and he broke his own home run record by hitting 60 home runs in 1927. This period of renewal marked a significant turnaround in his career.

The Impact of Personal Relationships

Ruth's personal life also underwent significant changes during these years. He separated from his first wife, Helen, and later married Claire Hodgson in 1929, adopting her daughter, Julia. Ruth developed a close bond with Julia, teaching her various skills and even flying her to Japan for a major league event in 1934.

On August 7, 1938, Ruth's connection with Julia became even more significant when he donated a pint of blood to her during a hospital stay. This act of love showcased the depth of their relationship and the importance of family, especially as Ruth faced his own health battles in the years to come.

Becoming a Cancer Pioneer

After retiring from baseball, Ruth's health began to decline significantly. In 1946, he was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, a form of cancer affecting the tissue connecting the back of the nose and mouth. This diagnosis marked the beginning of a new chapter in Ruth's life as he became one of the first patients to undergo chemotherapy.

Despite the gravity of his illness, Ruth remained a beloved figure and continued to engage with the public. He participated in charity events and golf matches with other sports legends. His access to modern medicine allowed him to receive experimental treatments that would pave the way for future cancer therapies.

Ruth's Treatment and Its Legacy

In 1947, Ruth agreed to participate in a clinical trial for a new drug called teropterin, which was a precursor to modern chemotherapy drugs. His treatment involved six weeks of daily administration, making him one of the first patients to receive chemotherapy in this manner. The combination of radiation and chemotherapy treatments he received was groundbreaking, and it established a novel method for cancer treatment.

Ruth's case was presented at a medical conference, generating significant media attention and sparking discussions about potential cancer cures. Despite a temporary improvement in his condition, Ruth's cancer eventually returned, and he passed away in 1948. However, his experiences contributed to crucial advancements in cancer treatment, showing that experimental therapies could extend the lives of patients.

Lasting Impact and Remembering Ruth

Babe Ruth's legacy extends beyond baseball and into the medical field. His participation in innovative cancer treatments helped shape future therapies, and today, chemotherapy is a standard treatment for many types of cancer. By 1998, 40 percent of patients with nasopharyngeal cancer had a five-year survival rate, a significant improvement compared to earlier years.

Ruth's life was celebrated with tens of thousands of mourners at his funeral, where fans left tributes at his grave. His story serves as a reminder of the intersection between sports and health, illustrating how individuals can impact medical advancements through their personal journeys. As Ruth himself stated, the knowledge gained from his treatments would benefit future generations facing similar health challenges.