The 1935 season was a challenging one for the Boston Braves, marked by a series of setbacks and disappointments. Despite efforts to revitalize the team, including the acquisition of Babe Ruth, the Braves ended the season with the worst record in Major League Baseball. This article explores the factors that contributed to the Braves' struggles and the impact of their dismal performance on the franchise.
A Season of High Hopes
The Boston Braves entered the 1935 season with
renewed optimism, largely due to the addition of Babe Ruth to their roster. Team owner Emil Fuchs hoped that Ruth's presence would boost attendance and improve the team's fortunes. Ruth was appointed as vice president and assistant manager, with promises of a share in the team's profits and potential future managerial opportunities.
On opening day, the Braves secured a 4-2 victory over the New York Giants, with Ruth playing a key role in all of the team's runs. This initial success, however, was fleeting, as the Braves quickly fell into a losing streak that would define their season. By the end of May, the team had won only four games, effectively ending any realistic chance of contention.
On-Field Challenges
The Braves' struggles in 1935 were compounded by a series of on-field challenges. Despite fielding a team similar to the one that had finished fourth the previous year, the Braves were unable to replicate their past success. The team's performance was hampered by poor pitching and inconsistent hitting, with only outfielder Wally Berger standing out as a bright spot, leading the league in home runs and RBIs.
Babe Ruth's declining performance also contributed to the team's difficulties. Years of high living had taken a toll on his conditioning, and by 1935, Ruth was struggling with running and fielding. His batting average dropped to .181, and his presence in the lineup became a point of contention among the team's pitchers, who threatened to strike if he continued to play.
A Season to Forget
The Braves' 1935 season ended with a record of 38 wins and 115 losses, the worst in franchise history. Their .248 winning percentage was one of the lowest in baseball history, highlighting the extent of their struggles. The team's poor performance had significant repercussions, leading to changes in ownership and management.
Emil Fuchs, facing financial difficulties, was forced to relinquish control of the team, and the National League took over the Braves' operations. The 1935 season remains a low point in the history of the Boston Braves, serving as a reminder of the challenges faced by the franchise during this tumultuous period.
