This Day in History: June 2

Here’s a brief look back in time for this day, June 2.

In 1935, the famed Babe Ruth retires from the Major Leagues after 22 seasons. At this point in his career, he was playing for the Boston Braves, where he retires with a batting average of .181 that season. He had made 714 career home runs, which was at that time, the most in MLB history. As of 2026, he sits in third behind Hank Aaron at second, and Barry Bonds at first. Ruth died of throat cancer at age 53 in August 1948.

In 1953, Elizabeth II is coronated as the Queen of England. This happens over a year following her ascension to the throne in 1952 upon her father’s death, who was King George VI.