Episode Overview
Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Adventures of Babe Ruth #13 - Feud with Tim Daily, Ump
Date: September 23, 2025
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Main Theme:
This episode dives into the heated rivalry between baseball legend Babe Ruth and umpire Tim Daly during a critical Yankees vs. Tigers pennant race series. The story unfolds with on-field confrontations, explosive crowd reactions, and an eventual dramatic gesture from Ruth, all highlighting the intense drama, sportsmanship, and larger-than-life personalities of early 20th-century baseball.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Setting the Stage (02:23)
- Backdrop: The Yankees are locked in a passionate pennant race against the Detroit Tigers, raising the stakes for players and fans alike.
- Tension Identified: Tim Daly—a former pitcher with history against Ruth—is umpiring. His controversial strike call escalates an already simmering feud.
- Immediate Fallout: Ruth is ejected from the game for challenging Daly, which greatly agitates the fans.
2. Ruth vs. Daly: The On-Field Showdown (02:41–05:13)
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Controversial Call:
- Daly calls a questionable third strike.
- Ruth reacts angrily:
"That pitch was six inches wide." — Babe Ruth (02:41)
- Daly retorts, leading to Ruth's ejection:
"I call it a strike. Now quit beeping, big shot, and beat it." — Tim Daly (02:48)
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Historical Grudge:
- Ruth and commentator Steve Martin discuss Daly’s long-held grudge over a past home run that spoiled Daly’s nearly-achieved no-hitter.
- Ruth suspects Daly is still holding it against him, but hesitates to go public with the accusation.
3. Escalation: Fan Outrage & Field Chaos (04:06–05:13)
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Fan Backlash:
- The following day, fans direct their anger at Daly, pelting him with objects after another disputed call strips Ruth of a potential home run.
- Daly is hit by debris and collapses:
"I saw one of the bottles hit Daly on the head. But he kept walking until he came to the Yankee bench. Then he keeled over into the dugout." — Steve Martin (05:13)
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Babe Ruth's Reflection:
- Babe takes responsibility for inflaming the situation:
"I took advantage of my big name... to start a small sized riot." — Babe Ruth (06:08 approx.)
- He expresses concern for Daly's job and recognizes the fragile authority of umpires.
- Babe takes responsibility for inflaming the situation:
4. The Turning Point: Ruth’s Stand (07:05–09:53)
- Third Game Turmoil:
- Daly, now bandaged, faces a hostile crowd; objects rain down, and the mob’s chant grows.
- Ruth Takes Action:
- Determined to quell the riot, Ruth charges into the stands to confront the main agitators:
"Cut it out now. Fine bunch of sports you are. 60,000 against one. I'll cut it out, I said, or I'll beat all your heads in." — Babe Ruth (08:21)
- Ruth physically confronts two ringleaders, stopping the violence and earning the crowd’s respect.
- Determined to quell the riot, Ruth charges into the stands to confront the main agitators:
5. Aftermath: From Feud to Respect (09:53–11:20)
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Game Resumed:
- Ruth calms the fans:
"Okay, okay, we've had our fun. Now let's play ball. And the first guy who lets out a peep at the boss, Tim Daly, has to fight me." — Babe Ruth (09:33)
- Ruth calms the fans:
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Clubhouse Confrontation:
- Teammates rebuke Ruth for risking his reputation and physical safety.
- Daly approaches:
"Babe, you went into the stands today in uniform. You fought with a fan. That calls for an automatic fine and suspension." — Tim Daly (10:14)
- A moment of mutual respect:
"You're a pretty swell guy…" — Tim Daly (10:43) "And I'm gonna call 'em special for you, because I ain't. That's the way I want it." — Babe Ruth (10:45)
- A final handshake cements the end of their feud.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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Babe Ruth on Fairness & Sportsmanship:
"The umpire's boss on the field. I took advantage of my big name, though, to start a small sized riot."
— Babe Ruth (06:08 approx.) -
Ruth Challenges the Mobs:
"Cut it out now. Fine bunch of sports you are. 60,000 against one. I'll cut it out, I said, or I'll beat all your heads in."
— Babe Ruth (08:21) -
Daly and Ruth’s Hard-Earned Respect:
"You're a pretty swell guy… And I'm gonna call 'em special for you, because I ain't. That's the way I want it."
— Exchange between Tim Daly and Babe Ruth (10:43–10:45)
Important Segment Timestamps
- [02:23] – Series setup, feud context explained
- [02:41] – Ruth’s ejection and confrontation details
- [04:06] – Crowd's reaction, Daly injured
- [05:13] – Ruth reevaluates his role in the chaos
- [07:05] – Third game, escalating fan hostility
- [08:21] – Ruth enters the stands, quells the riot
- [09:33] – Ruth restores order for the game
- [10:14] – Clubhouse scene, reconciliation with Daly
Overall Tone and Style
The episode interweaves high drama, action, and moments of self-reflection, capturing both Ruth’s bombastic charisma and sense of responsibility. The storytelling is fast-paced, vivid, and laced with the signature bravado of old-time radio sports drama. The narrative spotlights moral quandaries, crowd psychology, and a code of sportsmanship reminiscent of Ruth’s era.
Final Thoughts
This episode not only dramatizes a legendary sports feud but also demonstrates the potential consequences of unchecked hero worship, mob mentality, and personal responsibility. As Steve Martin narrates, it’s a reminder of how larger-than-life figures like Ruth made and remade the mythos of American sports—not just through home runs, but through moments of humility, leadership, and honor when it counted most.
