GEORGE H. RUTH

THE LAST ONE FOR 86 YEARS
Babe Ruth's father is killed in a fight

August 25, 1918 ...  No game scheduled ... George H. Ruth, father Babe Ruth died at University Hospital in Baltimore today of a fractured skull caused by injuries received in a fight with his wife's brother Benjamin H. Sipes, who was arrested and is being held pending action of the coroner. The police say Sipes called at the home of Ruth shortly before midnight Saturday and told the latter that he thought was not treating his sister right. Words followed and Sipes left the house.

Sipes, when across the street to his brother's cigar store and loitered around for a while and then stood in front of Ruth's home. Ruth came out and as he neared his brother-in-law, swung his fist catching Sipes on the face. The blow staggered the man for a moment, and as he recovered himself, he was hit a second time by Ruth.

Then Sipes struck his assailant in the face. The elder Ruth collapsed and fell to the sidewalk, his head striking the curb. He was carried into his house and first aid failing to revive the man he was rushed and a passing automobile to the hospital. He never recovered consciousness. In the meantime, Sipes left the scene for his home, where he was later arrested. Witnesses who saw the fight, say sites did not strike Ruth until he had been hit twice.

President Ban Johnson proposed opening the World Series in Chicago for three games and playing the remaining games in Boston.  Sox president, Harry Frazee said that is an unfair proposal and would not abide by it, as it puts the Red Sox at an unfair disadvantage.  He further said that it has been customary for the two clubs to toss a coin to determine in which city the World Series starts, adding that he did not mind playing two games in Chicago, but the next three games should be played in Boston, if he loses the coin toss.