Ruth's Granddaughter Wants MLB to Retire the Babe's Number "3"

No Yankee has worn the number 3 since the club retired it 60 years ago. That is not good enough for some. Linda Ruth Tosetti believes the Babe "belongs to all of baseball" because he single-handedly saved baseball in America after several betting scandals. His number should never again be worn in a MLB game, she says.

Tosetti, Ruth's granddaughter, did what any woman with a "Ruthian mug" would do. She created a website and started a petition. The petition, which has been signed by 1383 people online, reads:

A PETITION TO RETIRE BABE RUTH'S NUMBER "3" THROUGHOUT MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

For his contributions to our national pastime, for his contributions to children all over the world and for his humanitarian works: Babe Ruth single-handedly saved the game of baseball with his mighty bat, his charismatic personality and his inherent sense of fair play. He made it possible for baseball to become the international game it is today.

When it was not possible for minorities to participate in Major League baseball, Babe was not deterred. He spoke up on behalf of these fine men, he barnstormed with them and his actions and words on their behalf has not gone unnoticed by baseball historians.

Please help to achieve this tribute for an American icon, George Herman "Babe" Ruth. Thank You!

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

Tosetti's petition frustrates me on a few accounts.

First, this idea that baseball was "single-handedly" saved by Babe Ruth. He was a factor, but he was not the only person involved in leading it past betting scandals. Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis was given absolute control after the Black Sox scandal. The suspensions and bans he handed out were important in ending that dark chapter in baseball history. The radio, exciting rivalries, and Ruth played important roles, too.

This next part just makes me laugh: "When it was not possible for minorities to participate in Major League baseball, Babe was not deterred." I am at a loss. I think this could be worded differently.

Lastly, what does it matter if Babe Ruth's number is retired or not? I mean, his legend has lasted over half a century without this honor.