Most of the credit for old-timer strength goes to Ruth, an almost mythological figure who represents the dominance of baseball in America's sports history.
He has not skated in Madison Square Garden since the 2008 playoffs, the conclusion of his tenure with the Rangers, and at age 39, he returns not as an old-timer marking the days until his career ends but as an ever-formidable opponent.
Sporting his national tracksuit and with the gold medal around his neck, the 26-year-old student and Olympic first-timer hopped on to a carriage with an entourage of some 20 celebrating Venezuelan team-mates and fans.