Day 127: Babe Ruth Day

It was April 1947.  America was about to begin its post-World War II economic boom.  A few months earlier, Edwin Land had demonstrated his “instant camera”, the Polaroid Land Camera.  Radio was still the principal communications media, with more than 40 million strong.  Television, at a scant 44,000 sets nationwide, was just starting.  As a new baseball season began, a special day was set aside to honor former New York Yankee baseball star, Babe Ruth. More than 58,000 fans packed Yankee stadium on April 27th to mark one of the greatest honors in Babe Ruth’s life.

Having been diagnosed with a malignant tumor, Ruth’s health was in decline and fans from across the country gathered on that day to show their support for the legendary man of the major leagues. Ruth made his last appearance at Yankee Stadium on June 13, 1948, which also commemorated the stadium’s 25th anniversary; the stadium where upon his death more than 100,000 people gathered to pay their respects.

George Herman Ruth, known to the world as “Babe Ruth,” was the first sports ‘superstar’. After leading the Boston Red Sox to two World Series victories, he was traded to the New York Yankees following the 1918 season. The Yankees, who had never won a pennant before, became perennial American League and World Series champions. The Red Sox did not win another World Series until 2004.

Special Olympics is a global nonprofit organization targeting the nearly 200 million people round the world who have intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics is made up of passionate, committed individuals from every walk of life, who recognize the value and unique gifts of people with intellectual disabilities. And who, together, share the common belief in dignity, equality and opportunity for ALL people. With a presence in nearly 200 countries worldwide and seven world-region offices, they are constantly expanding. They can say with all truth, that “the sun never sets on the Special Olympics movement.”

Every day, 365 days a year, their Board members, global leadership, staff and volunteers work to bring Special Olympics to as many communities as possible. Speaking hundreds of languages and coming from diverse cultures and backgrounds, the common thread tying them together is their belief in people with intellectual disabilities and in Special Olympics:  its unique ability to envision and create a world where every person is celebrated and accepted — all through the simple platform of sport.

Special Olympics is athletes. More than 3 million strong in countries worldwide, the people with intellectual disabilities who have found Special Olympics have found a community of acceptance and high expectations. It's a source of inspiration for all involved.

Special Olympics is coaches. The men and women who volunteer their time also give their experience, their love of sport and their firm commitment to excellence.

Special Olympics is youth. A generation of young people are moving toward a conviction that acceptance begins with their communities and the language they use to describe others. The campaign to discourage the casual and degrading use of the word "retard" has caught fire among this group.

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