Fansided

Who is the best MLB player from each state?

By Joshua Sadlock

Sep 19, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) smiles to the bench after hitting a triple and driving in a run during the sixth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) smiles to the bench after hitting a triple and driving in a run during the sixth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 1, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; A bobble head doll of Babe Ruth on the field prior to a game between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; A bobble head doll of Babe Ruth on the field prior to a game between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

Maryland: Babe Ruth

Cal Ripken, Jr. is obviously Mr. Baseball for the state of Maryland, but Babe Ruth is the best player ever to be born and raised in the state. The Sultan of Swat was born in Baltimore in 1895 and spent most of his incorrigible childhood there, generally behaving poorly. By the age of seven, he was in a reform school, and began picking up the baseball skills that would eventually make him the most famous athlete in the world. Ruth’s birthplace is preserved today as a museum, located just around the corner from Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

Ruth took baseball by storm, coming on the scene when home runs barely existed. He made his debut for the Red Sox in 1914 at the age of 19, and was actually a pitcher first and foremost for the first five years of his career. The Babe led the league in ERA and shutouts in 1916 while also throwing 323.2 innings. By 1919, his prowess as a hitter was too much to ignore, and Ruth was transitioned off the mound for good (though he did throw a complete game at the age of 38 in 1933).

Ruth’s home runs were a national sensation at a time when small ball still ruled baseball. He helped usher in a new era of baseball. Ruth completely dominated the game, generally doing whatever he wanted (on and off the field). Home runs, personality, and his presence in New York made Ruth the most famous athlete in America. He retired as the home run king, and is still the all-time leader in slugging percentage and OPS.

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