What Position Did Babe Ruth Play in Baseball?

By Sarah Miller · October 25, 2053

Babe Ruth primarily played as a left fielder during his Major League Baseball career, though he began as a dominant pitcher for the Boston Red Sox before transitioning to the outfield with the New York Yankees.

Understanding Babe Ruth's Evolving Role in Baseball

Babe Ruth, one of the most iconic figures in baseball history, is best known for revolutionizing the game with his unprecedented power hitting. However, his position on the field evolved significantly over his 22-year career from 1914 to 1935. While he is most famously associated with playing left field, his early years were defined by excellence on the mound.

Early Career: Dominant Pitcher for the Boston Red Sox

Babe Ruth started his MLB career as a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox in 1914.
He was one of the league’s top southpaws, combining control, velocity, and endurance.
Between 1915 and 17, Ruth won 18, 24, and 23 games respectively, showcasing elite pitching form.
His performance helped the Red Sox win three World Series titles (1915, 1916, 1918).
Ruth also set a record by pitching 29.2 consecutive scoreless innings in World Series play—a mark that stood for over four decades.

Transition to Outfielder and Power Hitter

As Ruth’s home run power became increasingly evident, the Yankees (who acquired him in 1919) decided to shift him into the everyday lineup. This required moving him from the pitcher’s mound to the outfield.

In 1920, Ruth hit 54 home runs—more than any other team in the American League.
To maximize his offensive contributions, the Yankees moved him to left field full-time by 1921.
Left field was chosen due to its less demanding defensive requirements compared to center or right field, allowing Ruth to focus on hitting while still contributing defensively.
Despite not being known for elite defense, Ruth adapted well and remained a reliable presence in left.

Babe Ruth's Defensive Statistics by Position

Position	Games Played	Putouts	Assists	Fielding Percentage
Pitcher	163	1,450	374	.962
Left Field	852	1,952	138	.979
Right Field	40	107	11	.971
First Base	46	413	35	.988
Center Field	7	15	2	.967

Table data source:1

The data shows that Babe Ruth played the vast majority of his defensive games in left field, logging 852 appearances—the most of any position. His fielding percentage of .979 in left field indicates solid reliability despite not being considered a defensive standout. In contrast, his time as a pitcher included 163 games with a strong .962 fielding percentage, reflecting his all-around athleticism.

Lifetime Impact and Legacy Across Positions

Babe Ruth’s versatility allowed him to excel in multiple roles, but his legacy is cemented as a power-hitting outfielder. His transition from pitcher to slugger marked a turning point in baseball history, shifting the game from a "small ball" strategy to one emphasizing home runs and offensive firepower.

Ruth finished his career with 714 home runs, a record that stood for nearly 40 years.
He was among the first five players inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936.
Though he occasionally played first base later in his career (especially with the Boston Braves), left field remains the position most associated with him.
Modern analytics recognize that Ruth’s overall WAR (Wins Above Replacement) ranks among the highest in history, thanks to both his hitting and early pitching value.

Frequently Asked Questions About Babe Ruth's Position in Baseball

What position did Babe Ruth play in baseball?

Babe Ruth primarily played left field during his career, especially after joining the New York Yankees. He began as a star pitcher for the Boston Red Sox before transitioning to the outfield to maximize his offensive impact.

Did Babe Ruth start as a pitcher?

Yes, Babe Ruth began his Major League career as a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox in 1914. He was one of the best pitchers in baseball between 1915 and 1918, winning 89 games and posting a 2.19 career ERA as a pitcher.

Why did Babe Ruth stop pitching?

Babe Ruth stopped pitching regularly because his extraordinary hitting ability made him far more valuable in the everyday lineup. The Yankees wanted him to bat every day, which led to his move to left field starting in 1920.

How many games did Babe Ruth play in left field?

Babe Ruth appeared in 852 games as a left fielder, making it the position he played most frequently. He also played 40 games in right field and 7 in center field during his career.

Is Babe Ruth considered the greatest baseball player of all time?

Many experts and fans regard Babe Ruth as the greatest baseball player ever due to his transformative impact on the game, unmatched offensive dominance in his era, and dual excellence as both a pitcher and hitter. His career WAR of 183.1 (per Baseball-Reference) is the second-highest in MLB history.