#17: Babe Ruth

Babe Ruth is often remembered as the fun-loving slugger who brought joy to baseball, but beneath that cheerful image was a fierce competitor. On the field, Ruth played hard and with an edge—he wasn’t afraid to spike opponents on the basepaths or fire off biting trash talk from the dugout.

His larger-than-life persona often masked the intensity that drove his dominance. Ruth’s hunger to win and relentless drive made him more than just a home run king; he was a fiery force who demanded excellence. His competitive fire added depth to the legend, revealing a gritty side behind the smile.