What did Babe Ruth die of? How old would Babe Ruth be today?
Leah Mitchell
Updated on January 08, 2026
George Herman was an American professional baseball player whose career in Major League Baseball (MLB) spanned 22 seasons, from 1914 through 1935. He was born on February 6, 1895.
During his career, he was the target of intense press and public attention for his baseball exploits and off-field penchant for drinking and womanising. After his retirement as a player, he was denied the opportunity to manage league clubs, most likely due to poor behaviour during parts of his playing career.
Ruth remains a part of American culture, and in 2018, President Donald Trump posthumously awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
What did Babe Ruth died of?
On August 16, 1948, baseball legend George Herman “Babe” Ruth dies from cancer in New York City. For two days following, his body lay in state at the main entrance to Yankee Stadium, and tens of thousands of people stood in line to pay their last respects.
How old would Babe Ruth be today?
Babe Ruth’s exact age would be 127 years 1 month 21 days old if alive.
