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New York Yankees: The 5 Greatest Yankees of All-Time

By Jesse Weinstein

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1.  Babe Ruth 

Finally, we arrive at the greatest Yankee of all-time.  “The Bambino,” “The Sultan of Swat,” Mr. George Herman “Babe” Ruth, Jr. Whether you disagree with #2-5 on this list, many people would likely agree that Ruth was the greatest Yankee of all time. Why? Perhaps it was because of how he started, what he did while he played, and the aftermath of his career.

This legend started his career as a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, but attained notoriety as the slugging outfielder for the New York Yankees. Having established many records as a professional, Ruth became one of the first five players inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1936. Starting as a pitcher, he had the reputation of a strong pitcher who would occasionally hit home runs. Occasionally? Who would’ve thought? Though he had reached the 20-win mark as a pitcher twice during his career in Boston, and even went to the World Series three times, he wanted to play every day. So he was moved to the outfield and the legacy began.

“Though he had reached the 20-win mark as a pitcher twice during his career in Boston, and even went to the World Series three times, he wanted to play every day.  So he was moved to the outfield and the legacy began.”

In 1920, after a controversial move by Red Sox owner Harry Frazee, Ruth was now property of the New York Yankees. Thank you Mr. Frazee, if you hadn’t heard, Ruth changed the game. His giant swing and slugging ability drastically increased baseball’s fan base. With the emergence of Ruth as a home run hitting machine, fans flocked to stadiums to see him play, as the game began transitioning from a low scoring game, to a new live-era game, where home runs and scoring were major factors.

May 13, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; National baseball hall of fame chairman of the board Jane Forbes Clark (left) and president Jeff Idelson with Babe Ruth

Ruth was part of the famous 1927 “Murderer’s Row” Yankees squad, renowned as one of the best baseball teams in history.  The nickname refers to the 1927 batting line-up’s first six hitters: Earle Combs, Mark Koenig, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Bob Meusel, and Tony Lazzeri. That season, the Sultan finished with a ridiculous 60 home runs. So for the duration of his career, he really changed the game for players and fans alike, introducing the world to the way of the slugger.

Like many who came after him, his career was not without controversy. A media centerpiece during the “roaring 20s,” Ruth was also known for his drinking and womanizing off the field. Granted, he tried to offset such negative press by frequently visiting children’s hospitals and orphanages, he still had quite a reputation.

No, he was not the most athletic, nor did he have perfect character. But good or bad, he was larger than life, a game changer, and the first slugging machine to set up shop in New York City. The emergence of this new type of player came from one guy who led the Yankees to four World Series titles. He was the first player to hit a home run in every ballpark in his league, and the last guy to completely transform the game. For these reasons, George Herman “Babe” Ruth is the greatest Yankee to ever play the game.

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