Podcast Summary: Babe Ruth 49-11-13 (07) There Are No Bad Kids

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Airdate: November 14, 2025
Guest: Gardner Malloy (National tennis champion, Navy veteran)

Episode Overview

In this episode of The Adventures of Babe Ruth, titled "There Are No Bad Kids," listeners are taken back to the golden age of radio with a dramatic story featuring the legendary Babe Ruth. The tale, narrated through the eyes of Eddie, the Yankees bat boy, revolves around the theme of redemption, mentorship, and the belief that there are no truly "bad kids"—only those who occasionally stray due to circumstance or bad influences. The story also includes a special guest appearance by tennis star Gardner Malloy, who shares insights about his Navy career, underlining the broader values of courage, personal growth, and community service.

Key Discussion Points & Story Highlights

Life in the Navy & Setting the Scene

[01:22–02:36]

• Steve Martin and Jack discuss the adventurous and educational opportunities in the Navy.
• Anecdotes about seeing exotic places, gaining specialized training, and the security offered by Navy life.
• Gardner Malloy recounts how the Navy enriched his life and prepared him physically and professionally.

Quote – Jack (01:32):
"It's not unusual for any Navy man to have been around the world a couple of times..."

The Incident in the Clubhouse

[02:43–03:48]

• Young Jackie is caught near Babe Ruth’s locker; Eddie accuses him of stealing.
• Jackie is apprehended with Babe’s World Series watch.
• Despite Eddie’s protests, Babe Ruth chooses compassion over immediate judgment.

Quote – Babe Ruth (03:38):
"There aren't any bad kids, Eddie. Some of them just get wrong ideas sometimes."

Jackie’s Confession and the Real Villain

[03:48–04:38]

• Jackie explains he was coerced by Duke, a local bully, to steal or risk getting hurt.
• Babe Ruth decides to confront the problem at its source instead of punishing Jackie.

Confronting Duke

[05:19–06:53]

• In a dramatic showdown at the car barns, Babe Ruth and Eddie face Duke, who threatens Jackie.
• Duke attacks, but Babe Ruth stands up to him—resulting in a tense, physical altercation.
• Despite having the upper hand, Babe refuses to harm Duke further after subduing him.

Quote – Babe Ruth (06:53):
"You can't push people around...because you're big and tough...somebody just as big as you is bound to show up someday and cut you down to your right size."

The Bigger Picture: Mercy and Reputation

[07:17–08:06]

• Babe Ruth chooses not to press charges against Duke, believing he’s learned his lesson.
• Ruth also wants to avoid ruining Jackie’s reputation—if the crime were prosecuted, Jackie might be labeled a thief.

Quote – Babe Ruth (07:46):
"If we had Duke arrested, there’d be a trial...Jackie couldn’t prove Duke did force him. Plenty of people would believe Jackie was a thief."

Fallout: Suspension and Sacrifice

[08:17–09:08]

• Babe Ruth and Eddie are fired from the Yankees for abandoning the game to save Jackie.
• Reporters storm Babe’s hotel, but he refuses to reveal the real story, prioritizing protecting Jackie and Duke’s futures over his own reputation.

Quote – Babe Ruth (09:16):
"Call me a dope if you want to, but I still say there are no bad kids, Eddie. Only good kids with wrong ideas."

Resolution and Redemption

[09:25–11:06]

• Duke, grateful for Babe’s mercy, confesses what really happened, thus clearing Babe’s name.
• Babe is reinstated on the team, and the story reconciles, championing second chances for both Jackie and Duke.

Quote – Babe Ruth (10:54):
"You're not a punk, Duke. You're okay now."

Closing Reflections

[11:28–11:43]

• Eddie echoes the episode’s key message about youth and reform, with Babe Ruth’s approval.

Quote – Eddie (11:35):
"There aren't any bad kids, Babe. Good kids just pick up some bad ideas sometimes. But show them how to read the score and they'll straighten out."

Guest Commentary: Gardner Malloy on Navy Life

[12:04–13:44]

• Malloy speaks about his Navy experience as both formative and fulfilling.
• He links the physical and mental strength gained in the Navy to later athletic success.
• Recommends Navy life to America’s youth.

Quote – Gardner Malloy (13:35):
"I really think, and I honestly say this, that the Navy is a great life."

Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• "There aren't any bad kids, Eddie. Some of them just get wrong ideas sometimes."
  — Babe Ruth (03:38)

• "You can't push people around and figure to get away with it because you're big and tough."
  — Babe Ruth (06:53)

• "If we had Duke arrested, there’d be a trial... Jackie couldn't prove Duke did force him..."
  — Babe Ruth (07:46)

• "You're not a punk, Duke. You're okay now."
  — Babe Ruth (10:54)

• "There aren't any bad kids, Babe. Good kids just pick up some bad ideas sometimes."
  — Eddie (11:35)

Episode Takeaways

• Redemption and Compassion: Babe Ruth exemplifies mercy, believing every kid has potential for good.
• Mentorship over Punishment: Ruth’s approach is proactive and empathetic, focusing on correction rather than condemnation.
• Integrity and Sacrifice: Babe chooses to protect vulnerable kids even at personal cost, showing true leadership.
• Service and Growth: The parallel segment with Gardner Malloy reinforces the value of structure, discipline, and personal growth offered by the Navy.

Next Week’s Teaser:
Steve Martin hints at a story involving a "beanball pitcher" and one of Babe Ruth’s most sensational exploits.

For Listeners:
This episode beautifully blends a slice of old-time baseball with timeless life lessons about empathy, second chances, and the importance of mentorship.