Babe Ruth announces retirement from MLB after 22 seasons

Babe Ruth announced his retirement from Major League Baseball on June 2, 1935, during a game against the Giants. The announcement came amid tensions with Boston Braves President Emil Fuchs, whom Ruth accused of double-crossing him. Teammates showed relief at his departure, citing a one-man show dynamic that had impacted team morale and performance. Ruth’s discontent stemmed from being denied the opportunity to represent baseball at a reception for the French liner Normandie, leading to his decision to go on the voluntarily retired list amid a knee injury. His release was made public hours afterward by Fuchs, who criticized Ruth's actions.

• 5:29 PMYahoo Sports — Immediate aftermath of Babe Ruth's retirement: Bitter teammates, double-crossings and a French cruise ship (SN Archive — 1935)