Babe Ruth 49-10-30 (05) Harry the Hat

Summary

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

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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.

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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.

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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]

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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.

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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.

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

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Transcript

[Narrator]

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[Jack]

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]

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]

You make a lot of sense to me, Steve.

[Steve Martin]

Thanks, Jack.

[Jack]

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]

I was a young reporter fresh out of Iowa, and my first big chance came when the sports writer of the New York News Syndicate picked me to Be Babe Ruth's personal writer. I was on top of the world when I went to the Yankee Stadium to meet the big fella. It was almost game time and he was alone in the clubhouse with a skinny, sharp face character. When I opened the door, it looked like I had won.

[Cully]

I ought to piece you right in the nose.

[Babe Ruth]

That's what I ought to do.

[Cully]

Let go of me, Rose.

[Babe Ruth]

Most time I will, too. Only there better not be any next time. Come on now, out you go.

[Cully]

Go, you big clown.

[Babe Ruth]

Or up north you won't do anything. You dirty little punk. Now out you go and don't come back. I don't teach him that.

[Steve Martin]

Hey, who are you? Well, my name's Steve Martin. I'm with the new syndicate.

[Babe Ruth]

A reporter?

[Steve Martin]

That's right.

[Babe Ruth]

Well, what just happened isn't for publication. Get it?

[Steve Martin]

Well, I was going to ask you who was that character? And what?

[Babe Ruth]

You mean you don't know him?

[Steve Martin]

No. You see, I'm pretty new around here.

[Babe Ruth]

Good. Then forget all about it.

[Editor]

But what Forget?

[Babe Ruth]

I said. Look, Martin, I've got to get out in the field. But if it's an interview you want, I'll meet you after the game.

[Steve Martin]

Well, it's not exactly an interview. You see, I. I'm your new personal writer, Babe. Huh?

[Babe Ruth]

No, you're not. I've got a writer.

[Steve Martin]

What do you mean? The syndicate just assigned me to the job.

[Babe Ruth]

Oh, yeah, yeah, they told me. Look, I'm sorry, kid. I. I had to tell him to call you off.

[Steve Martin]

Why?

[Babe Ruth]

Well, there's a guy I worked with before, a friend of mine. See, I told the syndicate I'd kind of like to have him write my stuff.

[Steve Martin]

Well, that's a dirty trick. The syndicate picked me.

[Babe Ruth]

Don't get sore, kid. You're young yet. You'll get lots of other chances.

[Steve Martin]

Don't give me that kid stuff. I'm as old as you are. Okay, O. Okay.

[Babe Ruth]

Like I said, I'm sorry. I'll try to square it for you sometime. I've got to get out on the field now. So long.

[Steve Martin]

Got a big fella.

[Cully]

Double cross. You too.

[Steve Martin]

Huh? Huh? Who are you?

[Cully]

Just call me Cully. I heard what happened in there. You know why Babe done you out of the writing job, don't you?

[Steve Martin]

Sure. He wants it for a pal of his.

[Cully]

Uhhuh. You know who his pal is?

[Steve Martin]

No, and I don't care.

[Cully]

You ought to be in a reporter. It's Harry Bogan.

[Steve Martin]

Who?

[Cully]

Don't you know who Harry Bogan is? Harry the Hat, they call him.

[Steve Martin]

No, I Don't know him. I haven't been in New York long.

[Brother Matthias]

No?

[Cully]

Well, let me tell you about Harry. He used to be a big sports reporter. He had a column in the Hat, he called it. But the trouble with Harry, he couldn't let the bottle alone. It got so bad he not only lost his column, he couldn't hold a job.

[Steve Martin]

What? You mean Babe Ruth turned me down for a washed up booze hound?

[Cully]

Sure he did. What does Babe care about a nice young fellow like you? He wants a guy like Harry around to go carousing around with at night.

[Steve Martin]

Now, wait a minute. The sports writers tell me that Babe likes to have fun, but he lives clean and keeps himself in condition.

[Cully]

That's a lot of baloney. Why do you suppose he's in a slump? He ain't hitting the size of his cap.

[Steve Martin]

Oh, any player can get in a slump once in a while.

[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.

[Steve Martin]

Why, I can't believe it.

[Cully]

I can prove it.

[Steve Martin]

You can?

[Cully]

Yeah. If I give you the facts. When you write him up for the papers in your syndicate, you can show him up to the whole country for the kind of guy he really is. Getting a big salary and not even keeping in condition. Letting down his team and all the fans. You call that playing square?

[Steve Martin]

Well, no, if what you say is true.

[Cully]

But I told you I'd give you the facts, didn't I? Look, kid, this is your chance to get back at that double cross. And not only that, when you give the papers a scoop, you'll be a big shot reporter. You don't have to beg Babe Ruth to let you write for him.

[Steve Martin]

My instinct told me not to trust Cully, but I was so burned up at the raw deal I thought Babe had given me, I didn't listen to my instinct. Losing this job and the salary boost that went with it meant I would have to postpone my wedding to the girl back home. About a week later, my editor called me into his office.

[Editor]

Dave, a good reporter always writes the truth. He doesn't let his personal feelings color it.

[Steve Martin]

What do you mean, sir?

[Editor]

Ever since Babe Ruth turned you down as his personal writer, you've been taking snide cracks at him in your stories. The big fella's the greatest ballplayer who ever lived and he's a grand guy.

[Steve Martin]

That's what you think, and so does.

[Editor]

Everyone else who knows him.

[Steve Martin]

They're wrong. And so are you, as you'll find out.

[Editor]

What do you mean?

[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. You just wait and see. Hello? Steve? Yes, who's this?

[Cully]

This is Cully. Listen, when are you gonna write that story about the Big Guy?

[Steve Martin]

I haven't got enough proof yet. Cully, I gave you plenty of proof, but most it hasn't been firsthand. I've got to see for myself.

[Cully]

Okay, maybe at 79 Second Avenue. Half an hour. I'll show you.

[Steve Martin]

I met Cully that night and an hour later I was back at the office pounding out the story that was going to ruin Babe Ruth and make me a star reporter. I felt a little sick writing it, but the arguments Cully had given me kept running through my mind.

[Cully]

He's getting the biggest salary in baseball, but he ain't even keeping in condition. He's letting his team down and the fans. You call that playing square?

[Steve Martin]

I finished the story and looked at the clock. There was just time enough to make the morning additions. I dropped my story on the City Editor's desk and went home feeling a little sick again, as if I'd broken a beautiful statue. When I opened my door, the phone was ringing. Hello, Steve? That's the City desk. We just got a flash. Babe Ruth went to west side Hospital. What?

[Babe Ruth]

Hop right up there and find out about it.

[Steve Martin]

I made the hospital in nothing flat. Was the first reporter there. A nurse directed me to an anteroom where I found a tall, gray haired man. Yes? Oh, excuse me, Father.

[Brother Matthias]

It's brother, my son. Brother Matthias.

[Steve Martin]

Brother Matthias?

[Brother Matthias]

Yes.

[Steve Martin]

Oh, you're the man who taught the Babe to play ball at St. Mary's Industrial Home.

[Brother Matthias]

Oh, I gave him a few pointers, that's all. He was a natural ball player. Poor Babe.

[Steve Martin]

What. What happened to him, sir?

[Brother Matthias]

Nothing happened to him.

[Steve Martin]

What? Well, then why did friend who was.

[Brother Matthias]

Very dear to him died? Harry Bogan.

[Steve Martin]

Bogan? Yeah. Well, you mean Harry the Hat?

[Brother Matthias]

They called him that. He was a wonderful man.

[Steve Martin]

Oh, yeah, he was a. Well, I. I'm sorry.

[Brother Matthias]

I understand. But judge not my son. Perhaps had you been in his place, you would have done as he did.

[Steve Martin]

What do you mean, sir?

[Brother Matthias]

Harry had cancer.

[Steve Martin]

Cancer?

[Brother Matthias]

Yes. Incurable cancer. But he never complained. No one knew. No one even knew he had it except he and his doctor, Babe and I. That was why he sometimes drank, though. And why he could no longer hold a job.

[Steve Martin]

The poor guy. I didn't know that he.

[Brother Matthias]

He'd been raised to St. Mary's too. And he helped Babe a great deal when Babe broke into baseball. Babe never forgot it. And when he got a chance, he made Harry his personal writer. Of course, Harry did very little writing.

[Steve Martin]

Who did?

[Brother Matthias]

Babe.

[Steve Martin]

Babe?

[Brother Matthias]

Yeah. It was pretty hard work too. Babe isn't an easy writer. And after a tough ball game and then trailing poor Harry around town half the night to see that nothing happened to him, well, Babe often sat up until morning writing Harry's stories for him.

[Steve Martin]

So that's it.

[Brother Matthias]

And I thought I told him it was no wonder his betting average slumped.

[Steve Martin]

Great Scott. What a fool I've been.

[Brother Matthias]

You, my son?

[Steve Martin]

Yes, me. I ought to have my head examined. I ought to. But wait. What time is it?

[Brother Matthias]

5:40.

[Steve Martin]

Oh, it's too late. The story's gone to press. The papers will be on the streets in a few minutes.

[Brother Matthias]

What story?

[Steve Martin]

The story that'll finish the big fella. And me too.

[Brother Matthias]

I don't understand.

[Steve Martin]

I don't know what I can do now, but I've got to get back to the office. Goodbye, Brother Matthias. You mean you didn't print my story about Babe?

[Editor]

No, Steve. Fortunately, we had a call from the district attorney in time. His men had been watching a racketeer and gambler named Cully Wilson. And the DA Told me that you were seen with Nelson last night.

[Brother Matthias]

Well.

[Steve Martin]

Well, yes. You see, I.

[Editor]

The d. A want to know all about you. Seems that Cully Nelson tried to bribe Babe Ruth to throw a series the big fellow. Throw him out in his ear, of course. And then reported the incident to the police. Well, I put two and two together and figured that Cully wanted to get back at Babe and fed you. This phone is bologna about B being a bum and you being young and green, had fallen for it. So I held up the story until I could check with you.

[Brother Matthias]

Was I right?

[Steve Martin]

Oh, yes, sir. I. I don't know what to say except, well, I'm a sore head and a chump and shucks, I wish I was dead. I'll clean out my desk and go back to Iowa, sir.

[Babe Ruth]

Hey, not so fast, Steve Martin. I want to talk to you, Babe.

[Brother Matthias]

I had to tell Ruth about this, Steve.

[Steve Martin]

Yeah, sure, I. I understand. Well, Babe, go ahead, sock me. I got it coming.

[Babe Ruth]

Oh, no, I'm no dummy. If I sock you, you won't be able to work for a week. I can't stay up anymore nights writing newspaper stories. I've got to sleep so I can start hitting again.

[Steve Martin]

What what do you mean?

[Babe Ruth]

What do you suppose I mean? You're my writer, aren't you?

[Cully]

Me?

[Babe Ruth]

Sure.

[Editor]

No, wait, Babe, you. You can't be serious.

[Babe Ruth]

Why not? Didn't you tell me that Steve here has the makings of a great sportswriter?

[Brother Matthias]

Well, yes, but that was before he made a mistake.

[Babe Ruth]

I've made lots of them.

[Steve Martin]

Haven't you ever made any?

[Brother Matthias]

Yes, of course.

[Babe Ruth]

Okay, so forget it and everybody be happy. When are you ready to come to work, Steve?

[Steve Martin]

Well, by any time, I guess, Babe.

[Babe Ruth]

Swell right now, but.

[Steve Martin]

But I don't know how to say it.

[Babe Ruth]

Forget it. I had a hunch the first time I saw you. We were going to be pals. Come on now. Let's you and I go get something to eat. And I'll go to sleep and you go to work. And that's the way it's gonna be from here on in.

[Steve Martin]

Okay? Okay, Babe. And thank. There's a wonderful spirit in young fellows. I had it all. You young fellas have it. You want to get ahead. You want to be somebody to have knowledge and skill that'll bring you success and security and a feeling of accomplishment. Well, I'll tell you right now, you can get all that and more in your hometown Navy, the United States Naval Reserve. You'll make new friends. You'll be trained and trained well in any one of the many Navy skills. You'll have a chance for advancement. And by golly, if you stay with it a while, you'll be eligible for retirement pay. Besides, from my own experience, I know these things are true. And besides, you have that good feeling inside that you're doing something that's really worthwhile.

[Jack]

That's absolutely right, Steve. And remember, fellows, don't forget to get your copy of Play Ball around the World. It's an exciting, colorful, interesting book that tells the whole story of Navy sports. And you can get it free simply by asking for it at your local Navy recruiting office. Well, Steve Martin, what have you got coming up next week?

[Steve Martin]

I've got a honey about a goat, Jack.

[Jack]

A goat?

[Steve Martin]

Yeah, a goat named Sweet William who won a flag for the Yankees. See you all next week.

[Jack]

The Adventures of Babe Ruth is produced by Woody Close, directed by Ronald Dawson, written by Ben Freeman, and brought to you by the United States Navy.

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