Sports trivia weekly: Babe Ruth’s 1926 record still stands after 100 years

James Okafor | GlobalBeat

Babe Ruth hit 3 home runs in Game 4 of the 1926 World Series on October 6, establishing a record that remains unmatched a century later.

The Yankees slugger’s performance at Sportsman’s Park in St. Louis proved historic. Ruth became the first player to hit 3 homers in a single World Series game.

No one has matched this feat in 100 years. The closest came in 1977 when Reggie Jackson hit 3 homers in Game 6, but that was in the deciding game, not Game 4. The 1926 Series ended with the Cardinals winning in 7 games despite Ruth’s heroics.

Background

The 1926 World Series pitted the New York Yankees against the St. Louis Cardinals. Ruth was already established as baseball’s biggest star, having revolutionized the game with his power hitting.

The Yankees had won their first World Series the previous year in 1923. The 1926 matchup marked the Cardinals’ first appearance in the Fall Classic, making their underdog victory even more remarkable given Ruth’s dominance.

What’s Next

Baseball historians will gather at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown on October 6, 2026 to commemorate the centennial of Ruth’s achievement with a special exhibition.