For more than a quarter century, baseball historian Tom Derry has been celebrating Babe Ruth’s birthday in inimitable fashion — and this year will be no different. Derry’s 28th annual Babe Ruth Birthday Party takes place Saturday, February 7, 2015, at Nemo’s Bar & Grill in Detroit’s Corktown, just a block east of the old Tiger Stadium site, where Ruth famously swatted his 700th career home run.
Since 1988, Derry has hosted the original Babe Ruth birthday bash at venues all over metro Detroit, including his own house. Every year, baseball fans from all over the country flock to this unique event, including members of the great Bambino’s family. This year, we’ll be joined once again by Ruth’s great-grandson, Brent Stevens.
Derry and Nemo’s will once again provide partygoers with a Ruthian-sized serving of free hot dogs, Cracker Jack, peanuts, and, of course, Baby Ruth Candy bars. Everyone gets a free Babe Ruth mask and a commemorative party button. Plus a big birthday cake for the Babe. It’s the ultimate hot-stove league party!
Babe Ruth poses with Detroit Tigers legends Mickey Cochrane and Charlie Gehringer at Navin Field.
On the night of the party, the world’s largest collection of Babe Ruth memorabilia will be on display. From floor to ceiling, every inch of Nemo’s will be covered with pictures, posters, and quotes about the Bambino. A thousand balloons will line the ceiling, music will fill the air, and the beer will flow all night. This is the way the Babe would want to be remembered!
Ruth, who made his major-league debut 101 years ago at the tender age of 19, had a genuine affinity for the Motor City. He had many good friends in Detroit, including Tigers slugger Harry Heilmann.
The Babe loved our area and traveled all over southeast Michigan. And, of course, many of his most famous feats on the field happened at Tiger Stadium (then known as Navin Field).
As a member of the Boston Red Sox, Ruth pitched against Ty Cobb and Sam Crawford. And after being sold to the Yankees, the Babe hit some of the longest home runs ever (including number 700), right here at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull.
So mark your calendars for Saturday, FebRUTHary 7 and come on down to Corktown to celebrate the Babe’s birthday in style.
Nemo’s is located in Detroit at 1384 Michigan Avenue, just a block east of the old Tiger Stadium site.