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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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.

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.

5. Aftermath: From Feud to Respect (09:53–11:20)

• 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)

• 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

• 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.