Ruth could have been a Red

[rufralf]

In 1913 the Reds were offered a chance to choose any 2 players off the Baltimore Terrapins of the Federal League in return for a player traded to them earlier by Cincinnati. The Reds passed on Ruth believing he was overweight and would never amount much. Ruth was sold to Boston along with Ernie Shore, Ben Egan for $8,500 several weeks later. Talking about alternative baseball history! 

[psuhistory]

Ruth played for the AA Baltimore franchise, R, though this minor league Orioles club did have to compete with the Terrapins for attendance after the FL started in 1914. Connie Mack also famously passed on the opportunity to purchase Ruth's contract for the Athletics before Boston did so in 1914...