June 13 This Date in Sports History Ruth farewell
New Yorkers awoke to a dismal morning on June 13, 1948. Raindrops fell in spurts from low, gray clouds. A chill, unusual for late spring, filled the air. Players gathered in the clubhouse at Yankee Stadium. Where was Babe Ruth?
Finally, he shuffled into the Yankee Stadium clubhouse, where for so many seasons he told jokes and bawdy stories to teammates and where he regaled newspaper reporters about his home-run exploits. He — the Sultan of Swat — smacked 714 homers during his incredible career, far more than anyone else. He led the majors in home runs 12 times. On this day, Ruth walked slowly, wore a heavy wool overcoat, and looked noticeably thinner than he did in his playing days. Ruth’s nurse, Frank Dulaney, helped remove the overcoat. Dulaney also helped Ruth put on the Yankee uniform one last time. The Babe, 53 years old, was dying from cancer.
