Drake’s Devil Dog Day
National Devil Dog Day is celebrated annually on April 27 to honor both the iconic snack cake and the U.S. Marines who inspired its name. The term “Devil Dogs” originated during World War I, when German soldiers reportedly referred to U.S. Marines as “Teufel Hunden” (Devil Dogs) due to their fierce fighting spirit. This nickname was embraced in American culture and later adopted by Drake’s Cakes in 1926 for their new chocolate snack, consisting of two devil’s food cakes with a creamy filling.
Babe Ruth Day
Babe Ruth Day is observed annually on April 27 to honor George Herman “Babe” Ruth, one of baseball’s most legendary figures. The inaugural celebration took place on April 27, 1947, at Yankee Stadium, where over 58,000 fans gathered to pay tribute to Ruth’s monumental impact on the sport. Despite battling throat cancer, Ruth addressed the crowd, stating, “The only real game, I think, in the world is baseball”. The event was not limited to New York; it was broadcast to every Major and Minor League stadium across the United States, and even commemorated in Japan with special exhibition games . This widespread observance underscored Ruth’s global influence and the deep respect he commanded within the baseball community.
Babe Ruth Central
April 27th has witnessed numerous significant events, notable births, and impactful deaths throughout history.
Historical Events
4977 BCE – Universe According to Kepler
German astronomer Johannes Kepler once calculated that the universe was created on this date in 4977 BCE. While obviously incorrect by modern standards, it’s a notable moment in the history of cosmology.
1521 – Battle of Mactan
Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan was killed in the Philippines by warriors under the command of Lapu-Lapu. This event marked a significant moment in the Spanish colonization efforts and Filipino resistance.
1805 – U.S. Marines’ Assault on Derna
During the First Barbary War, U.S. Marines and mercenaries captured the city of Derna (in modern-day Libya). This event is referenced in the Marine Corps hymn with the line, “to the shores of Tripoli.”
1865 – Steamboat Sultana Disaster
The Sultana, a Mississippi River steamboat, exploded near Memphis, Tennessee, killing an estimated 1,800 people. It remains the deadliest maritime disaster in U.S. history, primarily involving Union soldiers recently released from Confederate prisons.
1961 – Sierra Leone Gains Independence
Sierra Leone achieved independence from the United Kingdom, becoming a member of the Commonwealth with Sir Milton Margai as its first prime minister.
1994 – South Africa Holds First Multiracial Elections (continued into April 27)
Marking the official end of apartheid, millions of South Africans cast their votes. April 27 is now celebrated as Freedom Day in South Africa.
Famous Birthdays
1822 – Ulysses S. Grant
18th President of the United States and Union general during the American Civil War.
1791 – Samuel Morse
American inventor and painter, best known for developing the Morse code and contributing to the invention of the telegraph.
1922 – Jack Klugman
American actor, best known for his roles in The Odd Couple and Quincy, M.E.
Notable Deaths
1521 – Ferdinand Magellan
Killed in the Battle of Mactan, ending his own attempt to circumnavigate the globe (though his expedition would complete it without him).
1965 – Edward R. Murrow
Influential American broadcast journalist, known for his wartime reports and later TV journalism.
