Teaching Perseverance Through Sports: Babe Ruth’s Enduring Influence with Kelly Bennett

In this episode of the "Helping Families Be Happy" podcast, Christopher Robbins, host and co-founder of Familius Publishing, converses with author Kelly Bennett. They delve into Bennett's book "Out of the Mouth of Babe," which explores the life and legacy of baseball legend Babe Ruth.

The discussion covers Ruth's early life challenges and his indelible impact on baseball and popular culture. Bennett shares anecdotes and quotes from Ruth, illustrating how his character and achievements offer valuable lessons in perseverance, teamwork, and positivity. The episode highlights how understanding Ruth's history can inspire both children and adults today.

Episode Highlights
00:00:10: Introduction to the podcast and Kelly Bennett's background as a writer and her fascination with Babe Ruth's legacy.
00:01:13: Description of Kelly's career and personal interests, including her MFA and lifelong love for storytelling and baseball.
00:02:25: Discussion on Kelly's four grandsons and their baseball activities, emphasizing that baseball is a major part of their lives.
00:04:02: Insight into Babe Ruth's early life, highlighting his upbringing in an orphanage and the
challenges he overcame.
00:05:17: Kelly discusses how Ruth's passion for sports and perseverance led him to greatness, despite a difficult start in life.
00:07:03: Introduction of quotes from Babe Ruth reflecting his understanding of teamwork and life
lessons.
00:08:07: Discussion of Babe's articulate nature and ability to inspire teammates and the public with his words.
00:10:01: Kelly talks about Ruth's status as the first superstar athlete and how he became a cultural icon.
00:12:18: The story of Babe Ruth's kindness and genuine enjoyment in mingling with fans and children.
00:13:30: Anecdote about Ruth's interaction with a young boy, Ray Kelly, proving his positive influence on kids.
00:16:23: Closing thoughts on Babe Ruth's enduring legacy, the release of Bennett's book, and her blog for further engagement.

Key Takeaways

• Babe Ruth overcame significant childhood adversity, displaying resilience that propelled him to legendary status.
• Ruth's legacy is celebrated not only for his athletic accomplishments but also for his generosity and connection with fans.
• Understanding Babe Ruth's approach to life and baseball offers valuable lessons in perseverance and teamwork.
• The episode provides insight into how storytelling can capture the multifaceted nature of an iconic sports figure.

Shareable Quotes

• "A fellow has to have something besides curly hair about his shoulders. He's gotta know his onions." - Babe Ruth
• "You've gotta practice and practice and practice some more. That's all it is to baseball." -Babe Ruth
• "The greatest curveball in the world isn't worth a dime if you don't know what to do with it." 
• - Babe Ruth

Show Notes by Barevalue.