{
  "id": 109864,
  "title": "Controversial MLB All-Star Says 'Babe Ruth Never Existed'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/04/controversial-mlb-all-star-says-babe-ruth-never-existed",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-04T01:04:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/controversial-mlb-all-star-says-babe-ruth-never-existed-12280051"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Pete Crow-Armstrong, an up-and-coming MLB star for the Chicago Cubs, has proposed a provocative idea: Babe Ruth is a mythological figure rather than a legendary player. The notion, which he introduced on Kristin Cavallari's podcast \"Let's Be Honest,\" has sparked considerable debate. Asked for an unpopular opinion, Crow-Armstrong remarked, \"Babe Ruth never existed.\" His stance, which he learned from Mariners pitcher Tayler Saucedo's 2024 podcast interview, appears to be rooted in the lack of video evidence from Ruth's era. Crow-Armstrong argued that if Ruth's play lacked sufficient documentation, it might be reasonable to question his existence. However, his comments did not go down well with his fellow player Carson Kelly, who dismissed the theory as \"crazy.\" When the conversation inadvertently touched upon moon landing conspiracy theories, the topic was quickly moved on from. In a separate incident, Crow-Armstrong made controversial remarks about Dodgers fans while playing for the Los Angeles Angels earlier this year. However, he later claimed that the backlash was likely due to his remarks being \"immature and childish.\"",
  "summary": "An MLB All-Star was asked for an unpopular opinion, and he sounded off on the Sultan of Swat.",
  "key_points": [
    "Pete Crow-Armstrong suggests Babe Ruth is a myth.",
    "Lack of video evidence fuels his theory.",
    "Carson Kelly calls his theory \"crazy\"."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Pete Crow-Armstrong's suggestion that Babe Ruth never existed has stirred controversy, highlighting a divide among players and casting a spotlight on his history of making provocative remarks.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}