Babe Ruth 49-10-30 (05) Harry the Hat - Harold's Old Time Radio

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Babe Ruth 49-10-30 (05) Harry the Hat
Release Date: April 24, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "Babe Ruth 49-10-30 (05) Harry the Hat," host Harold takes listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio, immersing them in a dramatic tale intertwining sports, loyalty, and redemption. Set against the backdrop of baseball legend Babe Ruth's life, the episode delves into the complexities of fame and personal relationships.

Main Story

A New Beginning

The episode introduces Steve Martin, a young and ambitious sports writer from Iowa, eager to make his mark in the bustling world of New York sports journalism. Fresh out of Iowa, Steve lands the prestigious position of being Babe Ruth's personal writer, a role that promises both opportunity and challenges.

Steve Martin:
"There was a fellow called Harry the Hat, another one named Babe Ruth, and a young sports writer named Steve Martin. And there was a bit of feud which changed all of their lives."
— [01:03]

The Initial Encounter

Steve's excitement peaks as he arrives at Yankee Stadium to meet Babe Ruth. However, his enthusiasm quickly dissipates when he encounters Ruth's volatile assistant, Cully, leading to a tense confrontation.

Babe Ruth:
"Most time I will, too. Only there better not be any next time. Come on now, out you go."
— [03:20]

Cully:
"Go, you big clown."
— [03:25]

Despite the rocky start, Steve attempts to assert his position, only to be dismissed by Babe Ruth, who prefers to work with his longtime friend, Harry Bogan, also known as Harry the Hat.

Steve Martin:
"Well, it's not exactly an interview. You see, I. I'm your new personal writer, Babe. Huh?"
— [03:37]

Babe Ruth:
"No, you're not. I've got a writer."
— [04:08]

The Double Cross

Feeling betrayed and seeking redemption, Steve crosses paths with Cully, who plants seeds of doubt about Babe Ruth's character and performance. Cully suggests that Babe's declining batting average is due to his nocturnal escapades with Harry the Hat, painting Ruth in a negative light.

Cully:
"You know why Babe done you out of the writing job, don't you?"
— [05:06]

Cully:
"It's on account he's up all night with Harry the Hat, having himself a big time. That's why he's slumping away. The Yanks are in fourth place."
— [05:45]

Tempted by the possibility of a groundbreaking story that could elevate his career, Steve grapples with his conscience before ultimately deciding to publish Cully's accusations.

The Revelation

As Steve's article hits the press, tragedy strikes. Babe Ruth is rushed to the hospital, and Steve seeks answers, only to discover the heartbreaking truth about Harry the Hat.

Brother Matthias:
"Harry had cancer. Incurable cancer. But he never complained. No one knew. No one even knew he had it except he and his doctor, Babe and I."
— [09:03]

Steve learns that Harry's erratic behavior and alcoholism were symptoms of his battle with cancer, a secret known only to a few. Babe Ruth had been tirelessly supporting his friend, even sacrificing his own performance to ensure Harry's well-being.

Brother Matthias:
"He helped Babe a great deal when Babe broke into baseball. Babe never forgot it."
— [10:23]

Redemption and Reconciliation

Realizing the gravity of his mistake, Steve feels immense remorse. Just as he's about to resign, Babe Ruth intervenes, offering Steve a chance at redemption and reaffirming their professional relationship.

Babe Ruth:
"Forget it and everybody be happy. When are you ready to come to work, Steve?"
— [12:15]

With newfound respect and understanding, Steve embraces his role once more, committing to honesty and integrity in his reporting.

Notable Quotes

Steve Martin:
"I'll have a big story for you any day now. It'll knock your eyes out and it'll wake up every fan in the country."
— [07:22]
Brother Matthias:
"Harry had cancer. Incurable cancer. But he never complained."
— [09:46]
Babe Ruth:
"I've made lots of them."
— [12:52]

Insights and Themes

This episode masterfully explores themes of trust, integrity, and the personal costs of ambition. Steve Martin's journey from naivety to enlightenment underscores the importance of understanding the human side of those we idolize. Babe Ruth's character is portrayed with depth, revealing his vulnerabilities and unwavering loyalty to his friend, Harry the Hat.

The narrative also serves as a commentary on the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists, highlighting the fine line between ambition and truth.

Conclusion

"Harry the Hat" is a poignant episode that not only entertains but also imparts valuable lessons on empathy and ethical responsibility. Through vivid storytelling and memorable characters, Harold's Old Time Radio brings to life the enduring legacy of Babe Ruth, reminding listeners of the timeless values that transcend the world of sports.

Credits:
Producer: Woody Close
Director: Ronald Dawson
Writer: Ben Freeman
Sponsor: United States Navy

Transcript

Narrator (0:00)

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Jack (0:31)

Play Ball 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 immortal Babe is the man who knew him so well, his his pal, the popular sports reporter Steve Martin.

Steve Martin (1:03)

There was a fellow called Harry the Hat, another one named Babe Ruth, and a young sports writer named Steve Martin. And there was a bit of feud which changed all of their lives. But before I tell you how the big fella and I got to be lifelong friends when he saved my job and my future, maybe we ought to think about your future, too. And I'm talking to you young fellows of 17 or more. I've been either the regular Navy or in the Reserve since I was 17. And when I tell you that Navy life is a good life, I know what I'm talking about. It's not only good, but it's productive, important. It was in the Navy that my love of sports really blossomed when I discovered that I should write about them as well as play them. And the same thing has happened to thousands of other young men. They've made lifelong friends, found their futures in their Hometown Navy, the U.S. naval Reserve. Yes, the Naval Reserve offers the opportunity to study at trade and at the same time enjoy membership in an organization that's made up of friends working and playing together while enjoying the great privilege of helping to keep America strong. Yes, sir. Find out about your Hometown Navy, the U.S. naval Reserve. If you're over 17 and want to get in on a good thing, join the United States Naval Reserve, your hometown Navy. You can do it very easily by contacting your local Navy recruiting office.

Jack (2:30)

You make a lot of sense to me, Steve.

Steve Martin (2:31)

Thanks, Jack.

Jack (2:32)

Incidentally, you young men will want a copy of Play Ball around the World, the intensely interesting booklet on Navy sports, which you can get without obligation at your local Navy recruiting office. And now back to Steve Martin and the Adventures of Babe Ruth.

Steve Martin (2:53)