FUN WITH MAPS ISSUE 2026-131
By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)
LOVELAND, OH (August 11, 2026) – In Fun with Maps today, we touch all the bases with a little history made by George Herman – The Bambino, Sultan of Swat, The Babe!
500 ROUND TRIPS
Babe Ruth became the first professional baseball player to hit 500 career home runs on August 11, 1929 in a game against the Cleveland Indians. Unfortunately, his team, the New York Yankees, lost that game but he set a record that only 28 players in history have been able to achieve.
Babe Ruth went on to score 714 home runs in his career, a number only 2 players have surpassed – Barry Bonds in the lead with 762 and Hank Aaron.
The New York Yankees were founded in 1903 as the New York Highlanders, but changed their name to Yankees in 1913. They added the iconic pinstripes to their uniforms in 1912, and it became a signature look for the team. The franchise holds 27 World Series championships.
The current Yankees Stadium opened in 2009. It is located a block north of the original 1923 one, fondly referred to as “The House That Ruth Built.”
This Hardy map of the New York City Fire Departments is from 1871.
Hardy’s map of the New York City Fire Department Districts in Manhattan, from 1871 (Credit Steve Kovacs)
Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps. Be sure to visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Steve Kovacs: Antique Maps & Fun Facts here on Loveland Beacon.
