Being the great grandson of one of the most legendary figures in baseball and American pop culture gives Roswell resident Brent Stevens a unique perspective. Brent is the grandson of Babe Ruth’s daughter, Julia Ruth Stevens, and has dedicated much of his adult life to preserving and sharing the legacy of the man affectionately known as “The Babe.”
For Brent, Babe Ruth is much more than a name in the record books. “It’s been a great honor and privilege,” he says. “In many baseball circles, he’s still considered the best of all time. He hasn’t played a Major League game in 90 years, and yet he still holds some notable records.”
Ruth had two daughters: Dorothy and Julia. Brent’s father, Tom Stevens, is Julia’s only child, and Brent’s sister is Amanda Dandro.
Growing up, Brent often heard stories from his grandmother, who was adopted by Babe Ruth and affectionately called him “Daddy.” “While I never met him, he passed in 1948, visits with my grandmother gave me a chance to get to know him through her. I heard great stories and learned what a special, kind-hearted person he was off the field. He was definitely one of a kind, and I’m proud to be his great-grandson.”
Brent helps fans connect with the Ruth legacy through collectibles, memorabilia and public appearances. He also launched the website BabeRuthCentral.com and Facebook page Babe Ruth Central, a space where fans can share stories and celebrate the man behind the legend. Beyond that, he created “Babe Ruth Inspirations” T-shirts featuring some of Ruth’s most motivational quotes and even brought his famous sweet relish recipe to market for a time.
Now, Brent is bringing the newly released book Out of the Mouth of Babe to life with author Kelly Bennett. Packed with memorable “Babe-isms,” rare photos and lesser-known facts, the book offers a fresh, inspiring look at the man behind the myth.
It’s not just about baseball stats or home run counts. “As impressive as Babe was on the field, he was equally impressive off of it,” Brent shares. “He loved children. There are so many stories of him visiting orphanages and hospitals, signing balls for kids after games, even buying rounds of hot dogs and sodas and hanging with them in the bleachers. When I meet older fans who met him as kids, their faces still light up remembering that moment.”
One part of Babe Ruth’s story that Brent takes particular pride in is his inclusive spirit. “He was very open-minded in a time when racism was still pretty rampant,” Brent says, noting Ruth’s friendships with African American icons like Joe Louis and Bill “Bojangles” Robinson. Ruth often played exhibition games against Negro League players, even when it wasn’t popular with baseball leadership. Some historians believe that support may have cost him a managing job after his playing career.
Babe Ruth’s story began long before the spotlight. He grew up in an Industrial School for Boys in Baltimore from age 6 to 19, apprenticing to be a tailor until he was pulled out to play for the Baltimore Orioles. Within a few years, he went from an unknown kid in a boys’ home to one of the biggest sports stars in the country.
“He was the definition of a rags-to-riches story,” Brent says. “He was a bigger-than-life individual who really connected with people on a personal level. He represents some of the best and most iconic aspects of American history.”
When it comes to legacy… Babe Ruth still knocks it out of the park.
"As impressive as Babe Ruth was on the field, he was equally impressive off of it. He was a bigger-than-life individual who really connected with people on a personal level. He represents some of the best and most iconic aspects of American history.”
Brent Stevens
Great Grandson