Grandson Of Babe Ruth To Throw First Pitch At Mayor's Game

St. Petersburg, FL – Tom Stevens, the grandson of baseball legend Babe Ruth, will throw the ceremonial first pitch at the Kids and Kubs Annual Mayor's Game on Saturday, Feb. 8, at Northshore Field, 901 Northshore Field Dr. NE. This event marks the Centennial of Babe Ruth's historic home runs in St. Petersburg.

The Kids and Kubs will take on Mayor Kenneth T. Welch and his "City Hall Stars," composed of City Council members and senior City staff members. Admission is free and open to the public.

Tom Stevens, 71, is the son of Julia Ruth Stevens, Babe Ruth's daughter, who was the guest of honor for the Centennial of Major League Spring Training in St. Petersburg in 2014. Julia Ruth Stevens passed away in 2019 at the age of 102. Tom Stevens will be accompanied by his wife Anita, his son and daughter, and their families.

Will Michaels, President of the Kids and Kubs expressed his excitement: "Babe Ruth loved St. Petersburg and often arrived early for spring training to golf, fish, and enjoy the city's sunny weather. The publicity he brought to the city was immense. It is estimated that, at times, the city's population tripled when Ruth was playing. The Kids and Kubs are pleased to have a second 'Babe Ruth Day' after 81 years and honored to have Tom Stevens and his family attend."

Babe Ruth first played in St. Petersburg with the Yankees during spring training in 1925. He continued playing spring training in St. Petersburg through 1935, retiring with the Boston Braves. In 1934, Ruth hit his longest documented home run off of major league pitching at Waterfront Stadium, near present-day Al Lang Field. While in St. Petersburg, the Ruth family often visited the Kids and Kubs games. In 1933, the Club honored Babe Ruth with a souvenir softball and a unique "Babe Ruth Day."

The Kids and Kubs Senior Softball Club, the world's oldest continuously operating senior softball club, was founded in 1930 and is now entering its 95th season. Players must be 74 years of age or older. Some players have been honored in the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame.

Anita and Tom Stevens at the celebration of Babe Ruth's famous 'called shot" during the 1932 World Series.

Additional commemorative events are being planned. For more information, contact Will Michaels, President, at 727-420-9195 or Jon Reynolds, Kids and Kubs Public Affairs, at 517-420-6358. The Club's website may be accessed at https://stpetekidsandkubs.com/