Step up to the plate, folks! Babe Ruth quotes are more than just words—they’re lessons in courage and perseverance. Born in 1895, Babe Ruth became one of the greatest baseball players in the world. He hit 714 home runs and changed the game forever.
But he wasn’t just about numbers. He believed in hard work, big dreams, and never giving up. His words still inspire players, fans, and dreamers everywhere. That’s why we’re here—to explore the best Babe Ruth quotes. These quotes will help you swing for the fences in life, just like he did on the field! Let’s dive in!
Here are the 15 Babe Ruth quotes
- “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”
- “I swing big, with everything I’ve got. I hit big or I miss big. I like to live as big as I can.”
- “Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.”
Babe Ruth lived by this mindset. He knew failure wasn’t the end—it was just part of the journey. Every missed swing was a lesson, bringing him one step closer to greatness. He likely said this to remind himself and others that persistence is the key to success. This is why Babe Ruth quotes still inspire players to keep swinging, no matter what.
- “A part of control is learning to correct your weaknesses.”
- “Life is a game like any other; we just don’t take it as seriously.”
- “Yesterday’s home runs don’t win today’s games.”
Ruth never dwelled on past victories. He understood that success isn’t permanent—you have to earn it every day. This quote likely came from his deep love for competition. No matter how many home runs he hit, he always stepped up to the plate like it was his first game.
- “I have only one superstition. I touch all the bases when I hit a home run.”
- “Well, the good Lord and good luck must have been with me because I did exactly what I said I was going to do.”
- “What I am, what I have, what I am going to leave behind me – all this I owe to the game of baseball.”
Baseball wasn’t just a sport for Ruth—it was his life. He knew he came from humble beginnings, and the game gave him everything. This quote shows his gratitude. He likely said this when reflecting on his legacy, knowing baseball had made him a legend.
- “All ballplayers should quit when it starts to feel as if all the baselines run uphill.”
- “If it wasn’t for baseball, I’d be in either the penitentiary or the cemetery.”
- “Who is richer? The man who is seen, but cannot see? Or the man who is not being seen, but can see?”
This is Ruth at his most philosophical. He saw wealth beyond money—he valued vision, purpose, and wisdom. He may have said this after witnessing people chase fame and fortune without truly understanding what mattered in life.
- “If I’d just tried for them singles I could’ve batted around .600.”
- “I never heard a crowd boo a homer, but I’ve heard plenty of boos after a strikeout.”
- “Wealth is always attracted, never pursued.”
Ruth knew that success doesn’t come from chasing riches—it comes from passion and hard work. He played baseball because he loved it, not for the money. Babe Ruth quotes like this prove that his focus was always on the game, and the rewards followed naturally.
Here’s the most famous speech of Babe Ruth you should have a look at!
“As a rule, some people think if you give them a football, or a baseball, or something like that — naturally they’re athletes right away.
But you can’t do that in baseball.
You’ve gotta start from way down at the bottom, when you’re six or seven years of age. You can’t wait until you’re fifteen or sixteen. You gotta let it grow up with you.
And if you’re successful, and you try hard enough, you’re bound to come out on top — just like these boys have come to the top now.”
Key Takeaways
Babe Ruth quotes go beyond baseball—they offer timeless lessons on perseverance, mindset, and success. His quotes reflect his journey, values, and the philosophy that made him an icon.
- Failure is just a step toward success – Ruth believed that every missed opportunity brought him closer to achieving greatness. His quotes emphasize persistence and resilience.
- Success is never permanent – He understood that past achievements don’t guarantee future victories. His mindset was always about proving himself every day.
- Gratitude and passion drive greatness – Ruth knew baseball gave him everything, and he never took it for granted. His deep love for the game fueled his success.
- True wealth isn’t about money – His philosophical side showed that he valued vision and purpose over material success.
- Hard work attracts rewards naturally – He never chased wealth; instead, he focused on his passion, and success followed.
Ruth’s words still resonate because they apply to life far beyond the baseball field. Whether in sports, business, or personal growth, his mindset remains a blueprint for achieving greatness.
