Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Which positions did Babe Ruth play during his baseball career?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Babe Ruth
When he joined the New York Yankees in 1920, Babe Ruth embarked on a home-run hitting campaign that would transform baseball and establish a record that would stand for nearly four decades.
Throughout his professional baseball career, Babe Ruth played several positions. While he initially gained prominence as a left-handed pitcher, his exceptional hitting ability led managers to utilize him in other roles on days he was not on the mound.12
Specifically, Ruth played the following positions:
- Pitcher: He was a highly successful pitcher, particularly during his time with the Boston Red Sox.12
- Outfielder: He frequently played in the outfield, specifically in left field and right field.32
- First Base: On days he did not pitch, he was also utilized at first base.1