The Babe: One of Our Most Famous Alums
By CHARLES JOHNSON
He began his baseball career with the Baltimore Orioles of the International League in 1914 and was traded that same year to the Boston Red Sox. After three World Series wins in four years, Babe was sold to the New York Yankees following the 1918 season for $125,000.
The next season he hit 54 homers, more than any other team in the American League. He hit 59 the following year and the Yankees won the A.L. Pennant. In 1927, Ruth set a record that would stand for 34 years, with 60 home runs in a single season. He retired with 714 career home runs, and was one of the five original inductees in the Hall of Fame class of 1936. He died on August 16, 1948 after finishing his professional career with the Boston Braves and Brooklyn Dodgers.
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In 1959, our annual convention was held at Kappa Chapter in Washington. Alpha Delta Gamma decided to purchase a plaque in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, located at Catholic University of America, in the Crypt's Memorial Hall. The purpose was to honor a distinguished American who was considered a role model to young men of the day. The plaque cost the fraternity $500 - a lot of money 48 years ago. Ruth was honored for the way he distinguished himself above others with his charisma, personality and talent. His wife Claire Hodgson and grandson Tommy were present for the dedication ceremony. That plaque can still be viewed today, and while the Shrine is not officially affiliated with CUA, the two have always been closely related. The Shrine is the largest Catholic church in the U.S. and the seventh largest church in the world. University masses are typically held there, as is their graduation ceremony. If your travels ever bring you to Washington, please don't miss this opportunity to see a part of ADG history.
Washington, D.C. )
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Alpha Delta Gamma has always honored individuals who exemplify what it means to be an American. There is one in particular I would like to write about, an honorary Alphadelt better known to history as the "Sultan of Swat."
George Herman "Babe" Ruth, Jr. was born on February 7, 1894 in Baltimore.
