It's October, which means one thing: Baseball playoffs. The culmination of 6 long months of America's pastime, 162 games over 6 months, players grueling it out in the April rain, the July heat, and the October snow (Colorado). And now, with a few playoff series, a champion will be crowned.
One of the greatest October players of all time is undoubtedly Babe Ruth. In fact, October 9th seems to have been a particularly lucky day for Ruth. Check out his October 9 baseball playoff highlights:
- October 9,1916 - Babe Ruth begins 29 2/3 scoreless World Series innings
- October 9,1921 - Hits first World Series homer
- October 9, 1928 – Has 3 homer World Series game
Take one of the most famous drinking stories as a great anecdote for Ruth's prowess: The White Sox were facing the Yankees on a Sunday, so they decided to take him out on a Saturday night in Chicago. They got a local bartender to make a strong alcoholic punch. They gave him plenty and he drank more than anybody else on the team. The White Sox players were sure that Ruth would be incapacitated by game day. Sure enough, The Babe arrived at the game on no sleep, performed spectacularly, and then amazingly asked the White Sox players if they were going out again after the game.
Ruth's drink of choice does not seem to have been any particular beverage, though his affinity for beer is unquestioned. Take this quote for example: "Sometimes when I reflect on all the beer I drink, I feel ashamed. Then I look into the glass and think about the workers in the brewery and all of their hopes and dreams. If I didn't drink this beer, they might be out of work and their dreams would be shattered. I think, "It is better to drink this beer and let their dreams come true than be selfish and worry about my liver." Talk about a charitable man who loves his drinks!
Ruth's penchant for beer and hot dogs was legendary, and nutritionists are amazed that he was able to live for 53 years. It's no secret that he took the field while inebriated, and certainly hit home runs with alcohol still in his blood.
Ruth is part hero, part cautionary tale. While drinking is fun and his ability to hold his liquor was considered legendary, there are many who would have liked to see Ruth live a longer life, had he drank less and eaten more healthy. But at the very least, we can respect Ruth's incredible legacy: a love of beer and life, heroic October baseball performances, and a legacy that will live on forever.