Best of Babe Ruth: 15 Greatest Quotes about Baseball, Life, and Swinging for the Fences
The great Bambino’s wisdom went beyond baseball. Here are 15 legendary quotes from Babe Ruth that capture his bold spirit on and off the field.
Babe Ruth wasn’t just a baseball legend—he was a larger-than-life personality with a way with words. From his fearless approach to the game to his wisdom about life, The Sultan of Swat left behind more than just records—he left us with words to live by.
In Out of the Mouth of Babe, author Kelly Bennett, with Stuart Dressler and Brent Stevens, bring together over 85 of Ruth’s most memorable quotes, paired with stunning images and fun facts from his career. With forewords by Babe’s grandson Tom Stevens and Yankees PR legend Marty Appel, this collection is a must-have for baseball lovers and history buffs alike.
To give you a taste of Ruth’s wisdom, here are 15 of his greatest quotes about baseball, life, and always swinging for the fences.
1.
“The real test of hitting greatness is the ability to step up there and hit when a hit will mean a run.”
2.
“A fellow has to have something besides curly hair about his shoulders. He’s got to know his onions.”
3.
“The greatest curve ball in the world isn’t worth a thin dime if you don’t know what to do with it.”
4.
“I swing big, with everything I’ve got. I hit big or I miss big.”
5.
“All the base hits in the world are wasted if the hitter doesn’t complete his journey and check in at the home plate with a run.”
6.
“Play hard, play fast, but play fair.”
7.
“Wealth is always attracted, never pursued.”
8.
“Life is a game like any other; we just don’t take it as seriously.”
9.
“You just can’t beat the person who never gives up.”
10.
“A good player never stops until he’s actually out.”
11.
“It’s well to remember always: you don’t have to swing.”
12.
“A lot of things which may not please the folks in the stands are mighty good baseball all the same.”
13.
“Yesterday’s home runs don’t win today’s games.”
14.
“I’ve heard people say that the trouble with the world is that we haven’t enough great leaders. I think we haven’t enough great followers.”
15.
“Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.”
Discover More Wisdom from Babe Ruth
Out of the Mouth of Babe
Excerpt from Out of the Mouth of Babe by Kelly Bennett, Stuart Dressler, and Brent Stevens.