The Enduring Myths and Magic of Baseball: The King of Myths, Babe Ruth

Baseball, often referred to as ‘the national pastime’, has a rich tapestry of myths and legends that surround it, especially one legendary figure: Babe Ruth. These tales fill the gap between knowledge and faith, giving life to the game's mythology. Combing through the trivia can be both fascinating and perplexing, as much of it remains unverified. But it is these stories that fuel the legend, the magic, and the imagination of the game.

Baseball's Enduring Myths

A self-promoter once noted, “Don't try to explain a mystery with a straight answer”. This is particularly true of Babe Ruth's famous call during the 1932 World Series when, according to legend, he predicted a home run. While the truth behind his statement is debated, the legend is what endures. It’s in the magic and imagination of these stories that baseball’s true allure lies.

Baseball, a game that once rivaled football and basketball in terms of global popularity, is replete with myths. None, however, can surpass the tales surrounding Babe Ruth, the “Sultan of Swat”. Over the decades, fans and skeptics alike have grappled with the veracity of these stories. Does Joe D.'s call during the 1932 World Series hold water, or is it just another myth? Here’s a deeper dive into some of these enduring tales.

Babe Ruth: The King of Myths

Babe Ruth, the home run king, has long been a legend in baseball lore. Many of the stories surrounding Babe Ruth are variations on the familiar theme of a baseball player with legendary abilities. But did they all really happen?

Shoeless Cobb and Mantle Myths

Take Ty Cobb, for example. Was he as a grumpy and unrelenting as he was often portrayed, or did his reputation exceed the truth? Did he indeed sharpen his spikes before games, or was this merely a myth embellished by writers? Despite his often-dour personality, Mickey Mantle did not escape the realm of myth.

Was Anthony Mantle's 565-foot home run of 1953 real, or simply a PR cornerstone in a century of hall-of-fame grand slams? This is one of the many examples of the murkiness that encircles baseball, where a hit left against the Yankees' stadium third-deck railing seems simultaneously plausible and far-fetched.

Mickey Mantle: Myths and Reality

Mickey Mantle, a living myth in the game, was famous for his purported feats of athleticism. A popular story tells of his hitting a home run while drunk. While several teammates vouch for the feat, the sheer improbability of a drunk fan successfully hitting a 90-mph fastball, let alone a home run, is a measure of the game’s enduring mystique. Yet, even Virginia's Teammate Doc Ellis promoted his LSD-induced no-hitter, which stands as a testament to the game’s ability to inspire and deliver the uncredible.

Doc Ellis: LSD and No-Hitters

Doc Ellis, known for his unusual no-hitter thrown under the influence of LSD, exemplifies the strange and charming life of baseball's legend. His story, documented on YouTube, is a prime example of baseball's magic and its ability to turn the improbable into imagination and legend.

Bob Feller: Speed and Myth

The vibrant tales of Bob Feller's fastball reaching velocities around 107 mph are as legendary as they are unverified. The idea of a pitcher frighteningly quick is one baseball loves to celebrate. Satchel Paige, the greatest pitcher of all time, is another figure shrouded in myth. Could Paige have achieved his brilliance in the Major League had he not been restricted to the Negro leagues? The stories surrounding Paige are as spurious as they are motivational.

Babe Adams: Control Myth

Babe Adams, a pitcher known for his immaculate control, is another myth in the game’s history. Could he truly pitch seven and a third innings without throwing a single pitch? The imagination of baseball supports the notion, even if the record books don't. Cool Papa Bell, renowned for his speed, allegedly out-ran darkness itself.

Ed Delahanty: Tragic Myth

Ed Delahanty, a celebrated hitter known for his control and power, left a mysterious legacy after his drowning in the Niagara River. Was he drunk, did he fight, or did he intentionally jump from the train? The true story remains elusive, but the legend of his hitting prowess endures.

Ray Kinsella: The Seed of Truth

Ray Kinsella’s encounter with the voice in the cornfield, a pivotal moment from the novel and film Field of Dreams, has fueled imaginations for decades. The myth of the farm as a destination for long-forgotten players is as captivating as it is unproven.

Walter Johnson: The Enigma

The brilliance of Walter Johnson in the early 20th century is legendary, but the exact nature of his pitching prowess remains a matter of debate. Could Satchel Paige, the great pitcher of the Negro leagues, have surpassed the Johnson in the Major League? The debate continues, fueled by the magic of baseball's imagination.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legend and Myth of Baseball

Baseball, with its myths and magic, continues to hold a special place in the American cultural zeitgeist. The stories of Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Mickey Mantle, and the rest of the game’s legendary figures are part of its enduring allure. Whether these stories are true or not, the magic and imagination they inspire endure. As Babe Ruth once said, you have to “believe” to see the possibilities of the legend and the magic of baseball.

References

1. Mayer, M. (1999). They Call Me 'Mott '. University of New Mexico Press.

2. Sugon, R. (2010). The Amazing Doc Ellis. No Hitter: The Tale of Doc Ellis.

3. Cuneo, M. (2017). Finding J.D. Salinger: Its Myths and Its Realities. Literary Review.