St. Petersburg to Unveil Babe Ruth Statue in February

News Summary

St. Petersburg is set to unveil a stunning 9-foot-2 statue of legendary baseball player Babe Ruth on February 8, celebrating the centennial of his historic home runs. The statue, titled ‘Babe Calls the Shot’, will be unveiled at North Shore Park, honoring Ruth’s iconic gesture during the 1932 World Series. The day’s festivities will include a ceremonial first pitch by Ruth’s grandson and a canned food drive to support local charities, making it a momentous occasion for the community.

St. Petersburg Gears Up for Babe Ruth Statue Unveiling!

St. Petersburg is buzzing with excitement as baseball fans and community members prepare to commemorate the legendary Babe Ruth on Saturday, February 8. A striking 9-foot-2 statue will be unveiled at North Shore Park, designed by talented local artist Blake Emory. The statue is affectionately titled “Babe Calls the Shot” and immortalizes Ruth’s iconic gesture during the 1932 World Series when he pointed to the outfield before hitting a memorable home run at Wrigley Field in Chicago.

Celebrating a Grand Legacy

February 8 is a monumental day, marking the centennial of Babe Ruth’s historic home runs in St. Petersburg. It’s not just a day for the unveiling of a statue; it’s a celebration of baseball history that has captivated fans for generations. Tom Stevens, Babe Ruth’s grandson, will take part in the festivities by throwing the ceremonial first pitch at the Kids and Kubs Annual Mayor’s Game on the same day. How cool is that?

Event Schedule: A Fun-Filled Day Awaits!

The day promises to be packed with fun activities and events. Here’s a quick glance at what’s in store:

• 9:05 AM: The festivities kick off with a preliminary softball game featuring talented youth from the TASCO Teen Center.
• 11:30 AM: The grand unveiling of the statue will take place, accompanied by the unveiling artists, Tom Stevens, and Mayor Ken Welch.
• 11:50 AM: Celebrate local charities with the Kids and Kubs Annual Local Charities Awards presentation.

Better yet, the admission to this fantastic event is completely free! It’s a perfect opportunity for families and friends to come together and enjoy a beautiful day filled with baseball memories.

Giving Back to the Community

In the spirit of community, a canned food drive will also be underway, benefiting the St. Petersburg Free Clinic. Guests are encouraged to bring canned goods, making the event not just a celebration of sports but also a chance to support those in need.

St. Petersburg’s Ongoing Projects and Initiatives

$1,387,038 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. This funding will aid in the Reconnecting the Historic Gas Plant District Project, which aims to remedy the impacts of I-175 construction on historic African American neighborhoods since the late 1970s.

Healthy Homes Initiative is rolling out to tackle household lead exposure risks, first discussed in a meeting on January 23 at Pinellas Technical College. St. Petersburg is all about safety and education!

Educational Opportunities Galore!

over $7.5 million to local nonprofits through its “Ready for School” initiative. This aims to uplift students and families by providing critical resources.

$309,498 in HUD funding for its Family Self-Sufficiency Program, supporting local families in becoming more self-reliant while offering career and educational opportunities.

Youth Opportunity Grants for Career and College Readiness Grant Program until February 10. Engaging youth in meaningful mentorship and support is key to building a brighter future.

Looking Forward!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• St. Pete Catalyst: When Babe Ruth Turned St. Petersburg Upside Down
• St. Pete Catalyst: His Own Paradise: Babe Ruth in St. Petersburg Part 2
• I Love the Burg: From Burgh to Burg
• St. Peterising: The Fascinating History of St. Pete’s 100-Year-Old Princess Martha Hotel
• The New York Times: Yankees’ Home at the Other House That Ruth Built
• Wikipedia: Babe Ruth
• Google Search: Babe Ruth
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Babe Ruth
• Google News: Babe Ruth St Petersburg

Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER

ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas 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 Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.