Babe Ruth 49-10-02 (01) Dusty Collins (Sundays at 8 PM WNEW)

Summary

Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Babe Ruth 49-10-02 (01) Dusty Collins (Sundays at 8 PM WNEW)
Release Date: January 23, 2025
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio

---

Introduction

In the January 23, 2025 release of Harold's Old Time Radio, host Harold delves into the golden era of radio with the episode titled "Babe Ruth 49-10-02 (01) Dusty Collins." This episode spotlights the legendary Babe Ruth and introduces listeners to Dusty Cowan, a fiery rookie poised to shake up the New York Yankees. The narrative seamlessly blends captivating storytelling with engaging dialogues, capturing the essence of baseball's golden age.

---

Main Story: The Turbulent Season of Dusty Cowan and Babe Ruth

Host Introduction: Steve Martin sets the stage by promising listeners an inside look into the exploits of Dusty Cowan, a promising yet contentious young player who threatens to disrupt both the Yankees and Babe Ruth himself (00:33).

Character Dynamics and Conflict: Dusty Cowan is portrayed as a highly talented but hotheaded rookie lacking humility. His aggressive demeanor leads to friction within the team, particularly with pitcher Sanborn and fellow player Wade.

• Sanborn vs. Dusty:
  During a tense clubhouse exchange, Sanborn accuses Dusty of underperformance, declaring, “I gave him six hits, Just six hits. And twice you popped up with two men on Bingle. Either time would have won for me” (02:54-03:05). Wade exacerbates the situation by insulting Sanborn and, by extension, Dusty, calling him a “troublemaker” (04:28).

Managerial Intervention: Manager Huggins attempts to mediate the growing tensions. When an altercation leads to Sanborn injuring his arm, Huggins grows increasingly frustrated with the team's shortcomings, remarking, “Holy cow. You guys will drive me nuts” (03:50).

Babe Ruth’s Leadership: Babe Ruth steps in to calm the situation, urging Dusty to mellow out. He shares his own journey of temper management, saying, “I was a hothead too, when I first came up. But I cooled off and straightened out” (04:55-05:09). Despite Ruth’s efforts, tensions escalate when Dusty retaliates against hostile fans, culminating in Dusty's physical altercation with a heckler and Ruth's own impassioned response (05:57-07:00).

Consequences and Resolution: The incident leads to a potential suspension for Babe Ruth, threatening his illustrious career. Reporters anxiously await the commissioner's decision, anticipating dire consequences (08:04-08:27). However, the decision favors Ruth and Dusty, allowing them to continue playing after receiving fines, thanks to overwhelming public support (10:42-11:23).

Quotes Highlight:

• Steve Martin on Team Dynamics:
  “Dusty was one of the most talented rookies I ever saw and the most hated. He was a hothead, a pop off guy, and he lacked tact and humility” (01:57).

• Babe Ruth on Dusty’s Potential:
  “Dusty came up the hard way like I did and a lot of other guys. He's had to fight his way every inch” (04:31-04:39).

• Manager Huggins on the Incident:
  “They were riding Dusty and they were on me too” (06:47).

• Steve Martin on Ruth’s Character:
  “A real nice guy Babe Ruth was... the big fella was full of surprises” (11:53).

---

Guest Segment: Interview with Captain Gene Tunney

Transitioning from the on-field drama, Harold introduces a distinguished guest, Captain Gene Tunney, a retired heavyweight champion and Marine who played a pivotal role in the Navy's physical fitness programs.

Importance of the Navy: Captain Tunney emphasizes the Navy’s role in fostering both mental and physical discipline among young Americans. He shares his extensive experience, noting, “I have spent a good part of my life advocating clean living, both mental and physical” (12:56).

Global Perspective: Tunney recounts his inspection trips worldwide, highlighting the Navy’s ability to maintain athletic events and physical fitness across diverse environments: “I have seen baseball games in Alaska, football games on the equator, and boxing matches the world over” (13:06-13:07).

Advocacy for the Navy: He strongly recommends the Navy as a valuable career path for young men, citing its comprehensive benefits and opportunities for high adventure: “I recommend it highly as a good way of life for America's young men” (13:34).

Quotes Highlight:

• Gene Tunney on Navy Lifestyle:
  “The Navy really makes it easy for young fellows to be completely fit in both ways” (13:07).

• Steve Martin’s Affirmation:
  “That's right, team” (13:06).

---

Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

The episode concludes with reflections on Babe Ruth's character and his surprising soft-heartedness despite his larger-than-life persona. Harold announces the upcoming story about hunting with Babe Ruth and the future endeavors of the characters introduced, promising more excitement in the next episode (14:02-14:37).

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Steve Martin:
  “Dusty was one of the most talented rookies I ever saw and the most hated. He was a hothead, a pop off guy, and he lacked tact and humility.” (01:57)

• Babe Ruth:
  “Dusty came up the hard way like I did and a lot of other guys. He's had to fight his way every inch.” (04:31)

• Manager Huggins:
  “They were riding Dusty and they were on me too.” (06:47)

• Gene Tunney:
  “I have spent a good part of my life advocating clean living, both mental and physical.” (12:56)

• Steve Martin:
  “A real nice guy Babe Ruth was... the big fella was full of surprises.” (11:53)

---

Final Thoughts

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio masterfully intertwines dramatic sports storytelling with insightful dialogues, bringing to life the legendary Babe Ruth and the tumultuous rise of Dusty Cowan. The inclusion of Captain Gene Tunney adds a layer of depth, highlighting the intersection of sports, military discipline, and personal growth. Whether you're a baseball enthusiast or a fan of classic radio dramas, this episode offers a compelling glimpse into the vibrant world of 1940s radio entertainment.

Transcript

[Steve Martin]

Play ball.

[Jackson Beck]

Play ball with Babe Ruth. Play ball with the Navy. The United States Navy brings you the adventures of Babe Ruth. And here to tell you about the fabulous and immortal Babe is his pal, the popular sports reporter, Steve Martin.

[Steve Martin]

Hello, everybody. Many of the things the big fella did, some of his most colorful feats never got into the newspapers, but now they can be told. Right now I'd like to tell you the inside story of a great young ball player named Dusty Cowan who almost wrecked the Yankees himself and Babe Ruth. We'll bring you the exciting story of Dusty and the Babe in just a moment. But because I'm an old Navy man myself, an enlisted man in one war and a commander in another, and a sports rider in between, I know what Jackson Beck has to say to you will be highly important. So come on in, Jack.

[Jackson Beck]

Okay, Steve, and thanks. Here's something for all young men between the ages of 18 and 25 to think about. Is the high cost of living getting you down? Are you getting those civilian blues? If so, then switch to Navy blues. When you wear the navy blue, you get good pay and three square meals a day. In the Navy, you're secure every payday. Sure. So if you're down, get up, be on your way. See your Navy recruiting officer today. Now here's Steve Martin again and the adventures of Babe Ruth.

[Steve Martin]

This is the story of the Babe and Dusty Cowan. Dusty wasn't his real name, of course, but by the time this program is over, you may be able to guess it. Dusty was one of the most talented rookies I ever saw and the most hated. He was a hothead, a pop off guy, and he lacked tact and humility. He was slated to go back to the bushes. But soon after the season opened, two of the outfielders came up lame. And a few weeks later, Coombs sprained his ankle. Manager Huggins was pretty desperate when he told Dusty to take over center field. And I kept my fingers crossed that nobody would get killed. The Yankees were in a losing streak and Dusty sue their sore tempers like a red shirt sues a bull. Detroit knocked them down three days in a row. And when I walked into the clubhouse, it was like walking into a grizzly den. Sanborn, who'd pitched that third game, was.

[Dusty Cowan]

Exchanging a few choice remarks with Dusty.

[Sanborn]

And Dave was battered and make what your mouth does, see? We'd have won that game today.

[Wade]

Oh, on Sanborn, what you had on the ball, Strictly nothing. You couldn't have beaten a kindergarten girl.

[Babe Ruth]

Got it out, you guys.

[Sanborn]

I gave him six hits Just six hits. And twice you popped up with two men on Bingle. Either time would have won for me.

[Wade]

Who wants to win for you, you big jerk?

[Babe Ruth]

Now, listen, Dusty.

[Sanborn]

Who are you calling a jerk, Wade?

[Wade]

Sandra, you were washed up 10 years ago.

[Sanborn]

Oh, yeah?

[Babe Ruth]

Dusty, cut it out.

[Wade]

Yeah, Try on your piano.

[Dusty Cowan]

Sanborn and Dusty tangle like a couple of spitting tomcats with only the Babe trying to separate them. The rest of the players yell for Sanborn to give Dusty his lumps. Then Sanborn tripped over a towel and went down on the concrete floor.

[Steve Martin]

When he sat up, his face was twisted in pain and he was holding his arm. And that was when the little Miller manager.

[Dusty Cowan]

Huggins.

[Manager Huggins]

What's all this about, Sandwan? What's the matter with your arm? What happened?

[Steve Martin]

This dirty.

[Babe Ruth]

Wait a minute, San. It was just a little accident, Hug.

[Manager Huggins]

Accident? What do you mean, Babe?

[Babe Ruth]

Well, you know how it is. Dusty and San and I started horsing around. San kinda slipped and fell.

[Manager Huggins]

I thought you had more sense, Babe. Haven't we had enough injuries this season? And now San. Holy cow. You guys will drive me nuts. Willie, get to work on Sand's arm.

[Sanborn]

Come on, move.

[Dusty Cowan]

We're going to the New York AC Driver. Now, look here, Babe. Why the deuce did you cover up for? For Dusty?

[Babe Ruth]

We need him on the club, Steve.

[Steve Martin]

You need him like a hole in the head.

[Dusty Cowan]

That guy's a troublemaker.

[Babe Ruth]

He's a great natural ball player and he plays to win. Once he gets that chip off his.

[Dusty Cowan]

Shoulder, he never will.

[Steve Martin]

It's a permanent growth.

[Babe Ruth]

No, Steve. Dusty came up the hard way like I did and a lot of other guys. He's had to fight his way every inch. And he kept on fighting when he got up to the Yankees. Soon as he finds out everybody isn't out to get him, he'll relax and he'll be okay.

[Steve Martin]

Not him, Babe.

[Dusty Cowan]

No.

[Steve Martin]

He's a hothead.

[Babe Ruth]

I was a hothead too, when I first came up. But I cooled off and straightened out Steve And I got a hunch Dusty will too.

[Steve Martin]

It was no use arguing with the big fella. He was always a softy where youngsters were concerned. But I was afraid he would get into trouble if he stuck by Dusty column. And was I right. The next morning, all the papers headlined that Sanborn, the pitcher Dusty had tangled.

[Dusty Cowan]

With, had dislocated his shoulder when he.

[Steve Martin]

Fell and would be out of action for a month. So when Dusty trotted out the center field that afternoon, the fans gave him the business.

[Dusty Cowan]

Especially one bull fell in the right.

[Heckler]

Field st. Bum you back to the bushes, Dusty. Who told you to play more? Come on, you.

[Dusty Cowan]

The treatment got under Dusty skin. He struck out twice, missed a shoestring catch in the seventh and then bang, smack into a double play. You should have heard the crowd roar.

[Steve Martin]

Then.

[Heckler]

You break a leg. Get lost, you punk. Drop that, Dusty.

[Dusty Cowan]

It happened then almost faster than you could watch it. Dusty, starting out to the field after it was thrown out, suddenly swung around and charged at the stands, making for.

[Steve Martin]

The bull voiced heckler.

[Dusty Cowan]

And as he jumped into a field box, the Babe was right behind him. He grabbed a crazy mad kid and heaved him back onto the field. Then the Babe himself fell into the howling crowd. When I could see the big fella again, Huggins, several of the players and.

[Steve Martin]

Big Bill the umpire were there.

[Manager Huggins]

Going into the stands. Are you out of your mind, Babe?

[Babe Ruth]

I'm sorry, Hug. I lost my head. I guess some guy up here was riding me.

[Manager Huggins]

They were riding Dusty and they were on me too.

[Babe Ruth]

I saw red.

[Sanborn]

You mean you came up here to take a poke at a fan?

[Babe Ruth]

You, Babe. That's right.

[Manager Huggins]

No, Bill, it was Dusty.

[Babe Ruth]

It wasn't. Dusty tried to stop me.

[Sanborn]

Get off the field.

[Babe Ruth]

Now wait.

[Sanborn]

Get off the field. Going into the stands is a serious offense. Not even you are big enough to get away with it. Babe, I'm going to make a full report to the commissioner. The chances are 101 you'll be suspended from baseball.

[Steve Martin]

Babe, you're crazy.

[Dusty Cowan]

Now listen to me, Babe.

[Babe Ruth]

There's nothing to say, Steve.

[Dusty Cowan]

There's plenty to say. The commissioner is considering your case.

[Steve Martin]

Now. He'd sure like to hang a year suspension on you.

[Dusty Cowan]

Now you can't take a rap like that just to save Dusty Cowan's hide.

[Babe Ruth]

I can take it. He can't, Steve. It would ruin him.

[Steve Martin]

It'll ruin you. Your name will be Mudd. Oh, Babe, for Pete's sake, use your head. Dusty isn't worth sacrificing yourself for. He's no good.

[Babe Ruth]

He's got a lot of good stuff in him. He just got off on the wrong foot like I did when I broke in. He might have learned his lesson today.

[Steve Martin]

Are you kidding? If he had an ounce of decency.

[Dusty Cowan]

In him, he wouldn't stand back and.

[Steve Martin]

Let you take this bum rat for him. Oh, Babe, listen to save your breath, Steve.

[Babe Ruth]

Maybe you're right and I'm wrong. But I made my decision and I've got to see it through.

[Steve Martin]

That was a long, bad night for me, the big fellows, friends and for his thousands of fans. The suspense was Terrific. By game time next day, because the commissioner still hadn't handed down his decision, I can tell you we were an anxious bunch of reporters up in the press box waiting for the bad news. We knew it had to be bad. I had my eye on the telegraph waiting for the flash from the commissioner.

[Dusty Cowan]

When a big roar came up from the stands. Then I looked out and I swallowed my gum. Well, the Yankees were going out to their positions and Babe Ruth was trotting out to right field with Dusty Cowan jogging out the center.

[Steve Martin]

The tip off came on the third.

[Dusty Cowan]

Play when Collins of the Sox walloped one a mile into left center. Babe started back for it, but he was limping from that pile up in the stands yesterday and it was evident he wasn't going to make it. And then while the fans were groaning, Dusty Cowan came racing out of deep center like a scared deer, made a crazy leap into the air, speared the ball with his gloved hand and crashed into the fence. But he was hanging on to that ball when the bay pulled him to his feet. Couple of minutes later, the second tip off played itself out for us on the diamond. Sewell drew a walk and then Dusty sliced a perfect shot between first and second on the hit and run play. And running like a deer again, Dusty made it into second with a hair raising slide. Dusty was up on his feet at once, not sullen the way he used to be, but brushing himself off and yelling at the big fella who is.

[Steve Martin]

Walking into the baddest box way this time.

[Dusty Cowan]

You could hear him all over the stadium. The big fella laughed and shook his fist at him. And then he took a toehold and blasted the first pitch high and far over the bleachers in center fe. While the fans went crazy, we reporters beat the dash reggaet into the Yankee dugout. We still didn't know how come the Babe and Dusty were playing.

[Steve Martin]

Huggins was grinning from ear to ear.

[Dusty Cowan]

When we grabbed him.

[Babe Ruth]

What gives? What goes on here?

[Dusty Cowan]

Come on, give us the dough, Pug. How come the Babe and Dusty are playing?

[Manager Huggins]

Well, Dusty came to me and Bill, the umpire after the game yesterday and told us how he tried to go into the stands and how the big fella threw him out and then took the rap for him. Just as I suspected.

[Dusty Cowan]

Dusty said that?

[Manager Huggins]

That's right.

[Babe Ruth]

I can't believe it. What did the commissioner say?

[Manager Huggins]

He said he'd been snowed under with phone calls and telegrams from fans all over the country begging him not to suspend the Babe. And he decided since nobody'd been Hurt. And there really hadn't been any trouble to just find babe and Dusty 500 bucks each and let him play today, Isn't that. Oh, by the way, how did you guys like the show those two put on this afternoon?

[Steve Martin]

That was wonderful.

[Babe Ruth]

My friend Al Josen says you boys ain't seen nothing yet. Am I right, Dusty? Have you say so, Babe?

[Steve Martin]

I mean, well, anything you say, Babe.

[Sanborn]

Anything.

[Babe Ruth]

Well, I say, this club is going to win the pennants. How about that, Mr. Popo?

[Manager Huggins]

Oh, you call it.

[Wade]

Well, like I said, Babe, anything you say. Do you want the pennant?

[Steve Martin]

I'll personally get it for you.

[Babe Ruth]

Ah, you hear that, boy? You hear my boy, Dusty? This flag is in the bag.

[Steve Martin]

Well, just in case I hadn't known before what a real nice guy Babe Ruth was. I knew it then, but the big fella was full of surprises.

[Dusty Cowan]

And he could always get into hot.

[Steve Martin]

Water right up to his neck. Before I tell you about the time the big fellow and I went hunting up in Minnesota with Dutch Reaver, the great Southport pitcher, I want you to know that we have a very distinguished guest aboard. He's Captain Gene Tunney, retired heavyweight champion and a fine Navy man besides. Gene Tunney was a Marine in the First World War, a private, and the second, he was a captain in charge of the Navy's physical fitness program. Well, Gene, we're awfully glad you can be with us on the first of the Adventures of Babe Ruth.

[Gene Tunney]

Well, Steve, thanks a lot. I can tell you that I wouldn't have missed being here for anything because I know what the Navy has meant to me and can mean to every young American. As you know, I have spent a good part of my life advocating clean living, both mental and physical.

[Steve Martin]

Yes, I do.

[Gene Tunney]

And I think that I can say from my inspection trips around the world that the Navy really makes it easy for young fellows to be completely fit in both ways.

[Steve Martin]

That's right, team.

[Gene Tunney]

I have seen baseball games in Alaska, football games on the equator, and boxing matches the world over. I know what Navy food and Navy habits are. And I can tell you that I recommend it highly as a good way of life for America's young men. Thanks again for having me here on the first of the series you have built around Babe Ruth's life. He was a great athlete, a great competitor and a great American.

[Steve Martin]

Thank you very much, Captain Gene Tunney. I hope all you fellows realize that what Gene Tunney says is true. As an old Navy man myself, I know that the Navy offers living advantages and sport advantage vantages and high adventure. Unequaled by any other career. If you're a high school graduate and are interested in the Navy as a way of life, contact your local recruiting office. I was going to tell you about hunting with the Babe in the deep north woods. But before we got out of that wilderness, and afterwards, too, the Babe's future and mine and Dutch Reavers were all at stake. But that's next week's story.

[Jackson Beck]

And a good one, too, if I know you, Steve Martin.

[Steve Martin]

Thanks, Jack.

[Dusty Cowan]

Well, so long, everybody.

[Steve Martin]

See you next week.

[Jackson Beck]

This has been the Adventures of Babe Ruth, written by Ben Peter Freeman, music by the United States Navy Band, and produced by Woody Close. It has been presented by the United States Navy.