Asheville, August 25, 2025
News Summary
In April 1925, Asheville found itself at the center of a shocking baseball mystery when Babe Ruth collapsed at the train station. The incident fueled rumors of his death, causing widespread panic. Despite the chaos, the New York Yankees went on to win their game against the Brooklyn Dodgers. This dramatic event became intertwined with Asheville’s history, remaining a topic of folklore as Ruth faced health challenges post-incident. Even after his eventual recovery and return to Asheville in 1931, the memory of that day persisted, illustrating the tension between rumor and truth in sports journalism.
Asheville became embroiled in a baseball mystery in April 1925 when baseball legend Babe Ruth collapsed upon arriving at the train station. The incident sparked widespread rumors of Ruth’s death, sending shockwaves through the baseball community.
On April 7, 1925, the New York Yankees had traveled to Asheville for an exhibition game against the Brooklyn Dodgers, set to be held at the newly constructed McCormick Field. As Ruth stepped off the train, he staggered and collapsed on the platform, prompting local doctors to rush to his aid. They quickly admitted him to the Battery Park Hotel for rest and observation after witnessing his precarious state.
By the next day, April 8, Ruth remained weak but was alive. Medical personnel assisted him into a taxi as he began his return journey to New York City. Despite this alarming incident, the Yankees defeated the Dodgers in the exhibition match, with a decisive score of 16-8.
However, as the train departed Asheville, rumors began to spread like wildfire, asserting that Ruth had passed away. Telecommunication wires carried the startling news, resulting in premature obituaries being published as far afield as Belfast and Dundee by April 9. The New York Times would later confirm that Ruth was, in fact, alive but the confusion surrounding the situation left an indelible mark on the folklore surrounding Asheville and the legendary player.
Ruth had reached the pinnacle of his fame in the early 1920s, transforming baseball into a central facet of American culture. His ability to break home run records and draw massive crowds underscored his popularity. Following the Asheville incident, his health became a topic of concern. Upon arriving at Pennsylvania Station in New York, he collapsed once more and was later diagnosed, requiring surgery for an internal abscess. This incident was humorously referred to by some as “the bellyache heard ‘round the world.”
Ruth ultimately returned to the Yankees’ lineup after a six-week recovery period in the hospital. Six years following the incident, in 1931, he made another trip to Asheville, this time participating in another exhibition game alongside teammate Lou Gehrig, where both players hit home runs.
Witnesses from the initial collapse recalled Ruth appearing pale and feeble, and crowds gathered to bid farewell as he left Asheville. The events of 1925 have since integrated into the rich tapestry of Appalachian baseball folklore. Despite living another 23 years, the rumors regarding Ruth’s near-death experience continue to linger, granting Asheville a unique historical distinction linked to one of the sport’s most revered figures.
FAQ
What happened to Babe Ruth in Asheville in 1925?
Babe Ruth collapsed at the train station upon arriving in Asheville while the New York Yankees were in town for an exhibition game. He was admitted to a local hotel for rest but rumors spread that he had died.
Why did rumors of Babe Ruth’s death start?
The rumors began to spread after he collapsed on the platform at the train station, leading to panic and premature obituaries being printed in various locations.
What did Babe Ruth require after his collapse?
He required surgery for an internal abscess after collapsing again upon his arrival in New York City.
How did the event impact Babe Ruth’s legacy?
The incident became part of baseball folklore, associating Asheville with Ruth’s legendary status, despite him living for an additional 23 years after the event.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | April 7, 1925 |
| Teams Involved | New York Yankees vs. Brooklyn Dodgers |
| Location | McCormick Field, Asheville |
| Result of Game | Yankees won, 16-8 |
| Health Complications | Internal abscess requiring surgery |
| Rumor Spread | Premature obituaries published |
| Return to Asheville | 1931 with Lou Gehrig |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- 828 News Now: Strangeville – The Day Babe Ruth Was Rumored to Have Died in Asheville
- 828 News Now: Gallery – Big Fun at the Marion Bigfoot Festival
- Mountain X: Asheville Archives – Babe Ruth’s Short-Lived Death in Asheville, 1925
- WLOS: A Century of Baseball at McCormick Field
- MLB: Explore McCormick Field, Home of the Asheville Tourists
- Wikipedia: Babe Ruth
- Google Search: Babe Ruth Asheville
- Google Scholar: Babe Ruth Collapse Asheville
- Google News: Babe Ruth
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
