Today in history: Babe Ruth began his major league career

The Great Bambino, The Sultan of Swat, The Big Bam, The Caliph of Clout: no matter what you call him, today marks the 100 year anniversary of one of baseball’s greatest careers.

100 years ago, on July 11th, 1914, George Herman “Babe” Ruth, Jr. made his major league debut as a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox in a 4–3 win over the Cleveland Naps. In celebration, we’re sharing a few of our favorite photos of the man often cited as the greatest baseball player that ever lived.

Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth, and Jackie Mitchell, the woman said to have struck out both superstars in 1931.

Fishing with Lou Gehrig.

Getting a little help from Lou.

Babe hangs out with adoring fans in 1924.

Babe looking more suave than usual in a promo photo for his weekly NBC broadcast, circa 1934.

Bike riding with actor Gary Cooper, who played Lou Gehrig in the 1942 film The Pride of the Yankees.

Forget bikes: riding King Jess, a Holstein Bull, in New Jersey, on November 9, 1922.

Can you believe it’s already been 100 years? We can’t!