This day in NY sports history

THIS DAY IN NY SPORTS HISTORY

Thursday, May 25, 1922

Babe Ruth out as Yankees captain

Babe Ruth lasted as Yankees captain just five days after a tirade in a 6-4 win over the Washington Senators. After being called out while trying to stretch a single into double in his first at-bat, Ruth threw dirt in umpire John Hildebrand's face and was immediately ejected. On his way to the dugout, Ruth was heckled by a Polo Grounds fan who allegedly called him a "lowdown bum." The slugger then climbed into the stands and attacked the fan, then stood on the dugout roof and called the crowd "yellow." Ruth's actions resulted in a one-game suspension, a $200 fine and his being stripped of the captaincy. Ruth had missed the first six weeks of the season serving a suspension for playing in a barnstorming tour in the offseason, a violation of MLB rules. Shortstop Everett Scott was then named the franchise's sixth captain. Ruth, 27, went on to hit .315 with 35 homers and 99 RBIs in 110 games and the Yankees lost in the World Series to the Giants.