Griffith Park in Los Angeles in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Birth of The Curse
Babe Ruth
Photographed by Craig Baker, January 14, 2021
1. The Birth of The Curse Marker
On January 5th 1920, World Series-winning Boston Red Sox pitcher George Herman Babe Ruth was playing here on his favorite Los Angeles golf course. He was approached by New York Yankees Manager Miller Huggins who had come all the way from New York to inform him their two teams had worked out a trade, pending Ruth's approval. Ruth completed his round before retiring to the clubhouse to hear his pitch. Babe agreed to the deal becoming an everyday outfielder and the Curse of the Bambino was born. Ruth would go on to deliver numerous World Series titles to the Yankees and be known as the greatest player to ever play the game, holding countless records. Meanwhile, the Red Sox would be left searching for a World Series title for the next 86 years.
Erected by The Griffith Park Golf Club.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Sports. In addition, it is included in the Baseball Hall of Famers series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 5, 1920.
Location. 34° 8.657′ N, 118° 17.307′ W. Marker is in Los Angeles, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in Griffith Park. It can be reached from Griffith Park Drive one mile north of Crystal Springs Drive, on
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in California’s Transverse Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 100 Years of Golf in Griffith Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Amirs Garden (approx. 0.3 miles away); Tragedy in Griffith Park (approx. 0.4 miles away); Rodger Young Village (approx. half a mile away); Special Delivery (approx. half a mile away); Los Angeles River (approx. half a mile away); Shane's Inspiration (approx. 0.7 miles away); Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Los Angeles.
Regarding The Birth of The Curse. Babe Ruth wanted to negotiate a higher salary but the Red Sox owner refused, and chose to sell him instead.
The paperwork for the trade is in the collection of the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Additional keywords. The Bambino, The Sultan of Swat
Photographed by Craig Baker, January 14, 2021
2. The Birth of The Curse Marker
Photographed by Craig Baker, January 14, 2021
3. View of Clubhouse and Marker
Photographed by Craig Baker, January 14, 2021
4. Sign near Street
Credits. This page was last revised on March 12, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 17, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 3,849 times since then and 227 times this year. Last updated on March 19, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1. submitted on March 12, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 17, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
