Many may not be aware, but the city of Fayetteville, North Carolina, played a pivotal role in the beginning of George Herman “Babe” Ruth Jr. It was here that Ruth hammered his first home run as a professional against the then-minor league Baltimore Orioles on March 7, 1914. The blast traveled 350 to 400 feet during an exhibition at the Cape Fear Fairgrounds. It was during this time that he also earned the famous moniker “Babe” during his spring training visit.
Ruth returned to the city at the end of his career in 1935. The 40-year-old stopped on April 5th to play an exhibition game at old Highland Park.
Written By John G. Clark Jr.
