At the beginning of the 20th century, sports were becoming more and more popular. Everywhere, sport was emerging in new and creative ways. School teams were organized for students to play, improve their skills and pursue their dreams of becoming a professional athlete. Sports that were previously unavailable before going to college became open. Professional athletes began breaking records and attracting young athletes to their sport. Sports stars and heroes of the 20th century had a lasting positive impact on their sport and on future athletes by changing the way sports were played, changing the way sports were perceived by fans, and serving as role models to the community. athletes falling into this category, George Herman Ruth (better known as Babe Ruth) was undoubtedly one of the most influential. Born February 7, 1894, in Baltimore, Maryland, into a busy family, the only thing that kept Babe's spirits up was baseball. “I think I might hit the first time I pick up a bat,” Ruth said. His parents spent the majority of their time running their family business, a popular saloon. “I was a bum when I was a kid,” Babe said, and his parents agreed. At the age of 7, Babe Ruth's parents sent him to St. Mary's Industrial School for Boys. At St. Mary's, Babe spent all his free time playing baseball and perfecting his pitching. Jack Dunn, owner of the semi-pro Baltimore Orioles, offered Babe a job within hours of seeing him play. At age 19, Babe signed a contract with the Orioles. In less than 3 months, he was sold to the Boston Red Sox as a pitcher and showed promising skills at the plate. In 1919, he broke the modern major league record with 25 home runs! By the end of the season, he had reached 29. In D...... middle of paper ...... same. On September 23, 1926, he was defeated by Gene Tunney in front of a record crowd of 120,000 fans in Philadelphia! After an unfortunate loss, Dempsey told his coach, “Drive me there, I want to shake his hand.” » Jack never ceased to attract fans or the respect of his peers. In 1950, 15 years after Dempsey's retirement, an Associated Press poll named Jack the greatest fighter of the half-century. On May 31, 1983, the famous Jack Dempsey died in New York, but he was not forgotten. As the 1900s dawned, everything began to change. As a country, American society has been transformed as a whole. New sports stars are emerging. New records were set. The sports stars and heroes of the 20th century brought new enthusiasm to sport. From Babe Ruth's home runs to Dempsey's knockouts, sports would soon become an essential part of everyday American life..