The first-year Cooperstown inductee was Babe RUTH, a legendary baseball player who played for the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936, making him the first-year inductee. RUTH was known for his powerful hitting and was one of the most prolific home run hitters in the history of the game. He was also an excellent pitcher, winning 94 games in his career. RUTH's legacy continues to this day, with his name being synonymous with greatness in the sport of baseball.