“I learned early to drink beer, wine and whiskey. And I think I was about 5 when I first chewed tobacco.”
- February 6, 1895 – August 16, 1948
- American
- Professional Baseball Player, Hall of Famer, Sports Icon
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Quote
“I learned early to drink beer, wine and whiskey. And I think I was about 5 when I first chewed tobacco.”
Explanation
This quote offers a raw glimpse into Babe Ruth’s troubled and chaotic early childhood, marked by exposure to adult vices at an alarmingly young age. The statement is shocking by modern standards, but it reflects the harsh realities of his upbringing in Baltimore’s tough waterfront district. Ruth’s early start with alcohol and tobacco wasn’t just a matter of rebellion—it was part of the environment he grew up in, where parental supervision was scarce and street life was unforgiving.
Ruth was sent to St. Mary’s Industrial School for Boys at age 7, largely due to his unruly behavior and his family’s inability to manage him. It was there that baseball became his salvation. The quote implicitly contrasts the destructive habits of his youth with the discipline and purpose he later found on the field. His rough beginnings help explain both his later indulgent lifestyle and his drive to succeed, as baseball provided structure and a path to redemption.
Today, this quote can serve as a sobering reminder of the impact early childhood environments have on development. It also speaks to the transformative power of mentorship and sport, as Ruth was guided by Brother Matthias at the school, who recognized and nurtured his talent. Despite such a grim start, Ruth’s journey reflects how individual potential can emerge even from the most difficult circumstances—a testament to both human resilience and the role of opportunity.
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