Confirmed by Gehrig: Ruth called his shot Never-before-heard audio clip gives insight

[ajjohnsonsoxfan]

https://www.mlb.com/news/babe-ruth-c...rig-audio-clip

Really really cool stuff

[DaveW]

Wow! That is so cool, thanks for posting it!

[Lorewalker]

If that does not remind us of why we collect cards then nothing else can. Thanks for sharing.

[Snapolit1]

For lack of a more measured response, holy shit. That is amazing.

[conor912]

It’s a great story, but anyone, including Gehrig, reading a script written by someone else doesn't convince me. Wanting to perpetuate the myth was good for ratings. Charlie Root said in an interview that if he thought Ruth was calling his shot, he would have put the ball in in his ear, which I tend to believe. Like I said, great story, but this is no smoking gun, IMO.

Almost more interesting (to me anyways) is the setting for Lou’s story. Many have claimed that he and Babe were spiteful towards each other during that period, but i don’t go fishing with people I’m spiteful of.

[ullmandds]

Originally Posted by conor912

It’s a great story, but anyone, including Gehrig, reading a script written by someone else doesn't convince me. Wanting to perpetuate the myth was good for ratings. Charlie Root said in an interview that if he thought Ruth was calling his shot, he would have put the ball in in his ear, which I tend to believe. Like I said, great story, but this is no smoking gun, IMO.

Almost more interesting (to me anyways) is the setting for Lou’s story. Many have claimed that he and Babe were spiteful towards each other during that period, but i don’t go fishing with people I’m spiteful of.

I'm skeptical as well...but...I did a little research and what I read claims the "feud" didn't happen until 32-33? It definitely sounded scripted...and there are many accounts that claim ruth was waving fingers announcing 2 strikes.

[mr2686]

Honestly, who cares. It's great baseball lore. As they say in the newspaper business...When the legend becomes fact, print the legend. I think it would be just as great if he pointed 2 fingers at Root and then hit the next pitch out.

[Tabe]

Originally Posted by conor912

It’s a great story, but anyone, including Gehrig, reading a script written by someone else doesn't convince me. Wanting to perpetuate the myth was good for ratings. Charlie Root said in an interview that if he thought Ruth was calling his shot, he would have put the ball in in his ear, which I tend to believe. Like I said, great story, but this is no smoking gun, IMO.

Yeah, this was my reaction as well. I just didn't/don't buy it.

[slantycouch]

Originally Posted by conor912

Almost more interesting (to me anyways) is the setting for Lou’s story. Many have claimed that he and Babe were spiteful towards each other during that period, but i don’t go fishing with people I’m spiteful of.

That was my first thought, too! Ha.

Agree, too, that this is no smoking gun. If anything, it adds to the mystery, IMO.

I think I may have posted one or both of these here before. As a kid I remember reading about the called shot and wanting to learn the "truth". At the time the only addresses I could find for players that were in the series were Frank Crosetti and Charlie Devens. I think the split response is apropos.



Devens said in a 2003 interview:

"Ruth was being ridden by the Cubs the entire series and he would ride them right back," Devens recalled. "At the time, I did think Babe was pointing to the bleachers, but [shortstop] Frankie Crosetti told me no, he put up one finger to indicate he had another strike coming."

"I think Frankie Crosetti was right, but Babe never denied that he was pointing to the stands," Devens said, chuckling. "Still it was quite extraordinary to see him point, then hit the very next pitch out of the ballpark."

My realization? The truth doesn't matter. I love baseball.

[conor912]

Originally Posted by slantycouch

That was my first thought, too! Ha.

Agree, too, that this is no smoking gun. If anything, it adds to the mystery, IMO.

I think I may have posted one or both of these here before. As a kid I remember reading about the called shot and wanting to learn the "truth". At the time the only addresses I could find for players that were in the series were Frank Crosetti and Charlie Devens. I think the split response is apropos.



Devens said in a 2003 interview:

"Ruth was being ridden by the Cubs the entire series and he would ride them right back," Devens recalled. "At the time, I did think Babe was pointing to the bleachers, but [shortstop] Frankie Crosetti told me no, he put up one finger to indicate he had another strike coming."

"I think Frankie Crosetti was right, but Babe never denied that he was pointing to the stands," Devens said, chuckling. "Still it was quite extraordinary to see him point, then hit the very next pitch out of the ballpark."

My realization? The truth doesn't matter. I love baseball.

Those are great, Chris.

The Babe would have known as well, or better, than anyone that you never let the truth get in the way of a good story.

[Mark17]

Originally Posted by conor912

Those are great, Chris.

The Babe would have known as well, or better, than anyone that you never let the truth get in the way of a good story.

Right, and if it had been true Babe would've certainly said so and made the most of it. The fact that the best he could do was not deny it meant he liked the legend but was too honest to lie about it.

I believe Crosetti. He liked Ruth, roomed with him for awhile, and had no reason to say anything but the truth.

[doug.goodman]

Chicago newspaper clipping about Ruth's HRs that day