Final answer:
Babe Ruth became a sports star and America's first baseball hero due to his unparalleled talent, record-breaking achievements like the 60 home runs in 1927, and his vibrant personality that resonated with fans, making him a symbol of the American spirit during the 1920s.
Step-by-step explanation:
Babe Ruth was not just another professional baseball player; he was a sports star who achieved fame through his incredible talent and ability to captivate the American public. He was known by nicknames like the Sultan of Swat and Colossus of Clout, titles that underscored his powerful hitting ability. In the 1920s, he transformed baseball from a low-scoring game dominated by pitchers to one filled with excitement through his hitting prowess, highlighted by his record-setting 60 home runs in 1927.
Ruth was also a cultural icon off the field, his lifestyle epitomizing the excesses of the 1920s. Despite being a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox initially, after his move to the New York Yankees, Ruth's legendary swing and persona propelled him to stardom. It was not just his on-field performance but also his larger-than-life character that resonated with the public and made him an international symbol of the United States.
His influence extended beyond baseball, as he became synonymous with American culture during an era when America was carving out its identity on the world stage. Ruth's story, from his upbringing on the streets of Baltimore to his rise as a global icon amidst the backdrop of a prospering American popular culture, illustrates why he was more than just a baseball player - he was America's first baseball hero and a legendary figure in sports history.