The Question: Would you like to see Babe Ruth's home-run record broken? (Asked at the All-Star Baseball Game, Washington, D.C.)

TED WILLIAMS
Boston Red Sox Outfielder
I think Babe Ruth's record is a sort of shrine to a great slugger who some say is the greatest player of all time. But don't get me wrong. I'm not against anyone breaking this record. The right player in the right home park is going to do it. Mickey Mantle has the best chance now.

TED KLUSZEWSKI
Cincinnati Redlegs
First Baseman
Certainly. I'm hoping someone will break Babe's record this year. That's the game. What are we playing for? Wouldn't it be silly to hit 60 home runs and then say to yourself: "Gee, I can't hit another. I'll break the Babe's record." Even Babe Ruth would grin at that one.

MRS. THEODORE R. McKELDIN
Baltimore
No. That would be a shame. Babe's record should never be broken because he made today's game what it is. Governor McKeldin violently disagrees with me in spite of the fact that Babe Ruth was a product of Baltimore, a graduate of St. Mary's School in a neighborhood we both know well.

STAN MUSIAL
St. Louis Cardinals
First Baseman
Yes. Records are just records. What good are they if they can't be broken? In that case, why keep records? We get a great kick when someone breaks a record. That's the American way of life. One thing you can say for the great Babe. He really gave us something to shoot at.

BOB FRIEND
Pittsburgh Pirates
Pitcher
No. Babe's record of 60 home runs is a standard everyone goes by, something that millions of fans think should stand as a monument to a baseball immortal. I certainly wouldn't want to be the pitcher who threw the 61st home-run ball. The one who does it will never be forgotten—or forgiven.

GEORGE STREETS
Mayor of Enid, Okla.
Although Babe Ruth's record is a shrine to many Americans, never to be broken, I'm more militantly loyal to Oklahoma than Texans are to Texas. It will be great if an Oklahoman breaks the Babe's record. Mickey Mantle, from Commerce, Okla., has the best chance to break it this year.

MRS. FORD FRICK
Bronxville, N.Y.
Frankly I wouldn't. I knew Babe for many years. Ford and I regarded him as a close friend. He was an impulsive, overgrown boy. To know him was to love him. In prior years, I've had a sinking feeling in my heart when great sluggers like Hank Greenberg and Ralph Kiner got near Babe's record.

ROBERT HUMPHREYS
Frankfort, Ky.
U.S. Senator
Certainly. I would like to see any of our boys break any record. Today baseball is better than ever. Life expectancy is longer, and our athletes are bigger, stronger and faster. That's why we now have more home-run hitters than in Babe Ruth's day. His record may be broken this year.

MRS. HERBERT C. BLUNCK
Washington, D.C.
Hotel manager's wife
Oh, no, no, no! Babe Ruth's record is just something you just cling to. Baseball wouldn't be baseball if the Babe's star should dim. It will, too, if his home-run record is broken. Sure, we're improving in everything, but please, please let Babe's record stand.

TEN PHOTOS

NEXT WEEK:

What is the appeal of the sports car and what is its future in American life? (postponed from this week.)