Ruth's impact was felt immediately at the box office, where it is estimated an additional 5,000 season tickets were sold for next season (up from a paltry 3,800 tickets) almost immediately after this news broke. Local restaurateurs as also eagerly awaiting the slugger's arrival. It seems that business had dropped markedly after former outfielder Bob 'Fats' Fothergill was released, and it is thought that the Babe can take up the slack left after Fats' departure. All in all, the town seems happy in welcoming the 'Babe' with open arms. At the press conference announcing the deal, Manager Bill Terry had this to say, 'This was a trade we simply had to make at this time. Babe brings experience, a championship, slugging, and on base percentage to an already potent line-up. Whit Wyatt is a promising pitcher, but I think he will require additional seasoning in the minors to contribute, and Charlie Berry is a 3rd string catcher behind Ernie Lombardi and Rick Ferrell.' When asked about the Babe's advancing age, Memphis Bill said, 'I'm no spring chicken either. I have seen him contribute offensively each of the last 5 seasons, and I wouldn't be surprised if he has at least 3 good productive seasons in him.'"
Ruth, who will be 37 in February, was an integral part of the Harlem Knights team, including hitting 39 home runs and scoring a league best 135 runs in 1930. Ruth hit 24 home runs and hit .290. Ruth became a Knight in an August, 1929 trade that sent Sam West to St Louis, the year after Ruth had a league-best 20 home runs.
Wyatt, a 24-year old right-hander, won 8 games for North Dallas in 1930.
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