8/20/2010
PIPESTEM, W.Va. – Babe Ruth is perhaps the greatest sports hero in American history. But, the "Sultan of Swat," or "The Bambino," as he came to be known, was more than a ballplayer – he was a public figure whose popularity transcended that of any game. On the baseball diamond, he set a roster of records capped by his 60-home run season.
Pipestem Resort State Park presents Gene Worthington in an amphitheater performance that brings Babe's story to life, from his youth in Baltimore and his early career as a Red Sox pitcher to his years of glory in Yankee Pinstripes on Saturday, Aug. 21.
Worthington presents Babe in Chautauqua style. First, he gives a monologue, taking the audience through Ruth's life from St. Mary's School for Boys to the famed called shot. Then, Worthington takes questions from the audience as the Babe. Finally, he breaks character and talks about Babe Ruth from a contemporary point of view and discusses the impact Ruth continues to have on baseball. A member of the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR), Worthington has researched both Babe Ruth and the times in which he lived. His performance evokes this memorable man. As broadcaster Ernie Howe once said, "He wasn't a baseball player. He was a world-wide celebrity, an international star, the likes of which baseball has never seen since."
Worthington is an actor and director and serves as the artistic director for the Historic Fayette Theatre, a community theatre located in Fayetteville. He created a production company with his wife, Karen Vuranch. WV Enterprises presents historical dramas and the touring company has featured Worthington in a number of performances.
“Babe Ruth” performance at Pipestem’s amphitheater is open to the public at no charge. The show starts at 8 p.m. Pipestem State Park is located on Route 20, between Athens and Hinton. For more information about Pipestem Resort State Park and special events and activities, call 304-466-1800.
Contact Information
Shirley Martin, Activities Coordinator or Gene Worthington, WV Enterprises
304-466-1800; 304-574-4840