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

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Babe Ruth 49-11-13 (07) – There Are No Bad Kids
Release Date: June 16, 2025

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Introduction

In this captivating episode of "Harold's Old Time Radio," titled "Babe Ruth 49-11-13 (07) – There Are No Bad Kids," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio. The episode masterfully blends dramatic storytelling with nostalgic elements, centering around the legendary baseball icon Babe Ruth. Hosted by Jackson Beck, the program interweaves authentic-sounding dialogues and immersive narratives that echo the beloved radio shows of yesteryears.

Main Storyline: The Confrontation

The heart of the episode revolves around a poignant narrative where Babe Ruth encounters a young boy named Jackie accused of stealing his prized World Series watch. Hosted by Jackson Beck and featuring voices like Eddie and the antagonist Duke, the story delves deep into themes of mentorship, redemption, and the belief that no child is inherently bad.

Key Scene: The Theft and Confrontation

At [03:00], Babe Ruth offers Jackie a baseball cap and an extra glove, embodying his generous spirit:

Babe Ruth [03:00]: "Got an extra feelers, glove you can have, Jackie. And maybe a baseball cap, too. How's that?"

However, tension escalates when Eddie, the Yankees' Bat Boy, suspects Jackie of taking Babe's watch from his locker:

Eddie [03:04]: "Let me go. Eat your head, you dirty little thing. Give me a..."

Babe Ruth intervenes to mediate the situation, asserting his belief in the goodness of youth:

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

Jackie reveals the coercive circumstances behind his actions, explaining that Duke, a neighborhood bully, forced him to steal:

Jackie [03:48]: "He makes all new kids in the neighborhood pay him $10 or else he beats him up. I couldn't get any $10, so he said I had to come in here and steal the watch..."

The Escalation: Stand-Off with Duke

Determined to protect Jackie, Babe Ruth and Eddie confront Duke, leading to a dramatic standoff. The encounter showcases Babe's unwavering integrity and his commitment to shielding the vulnerable.

At [05:20], the tension peaks as Duke threatens Jackie with a lead pipe:

Duke [05:20]: "Squeal on me, will you?"

Babe Ruth steps in decisively:

Babe Ruth [06:05]: "How do you like it, big shot?"

A fierce altercation ensues, resulting in Duke being subdued by Babe and Eddie. Babe's restraint and ethical stance become evident as he refrains from escalating the violence further:

Babe Ruth [06:44]: "I never hit a man when he's down, did he? Anyhow, I don't think Duke will cause Jackie any more trouble. Or any other young street."

Aftermath: Consequences and Resolution

Babe's heroic actions lead to unforeseen consequences on the baseball field. At [08:17], the game's scoreboard reveals the team trailing, prompting Babe to leave the game prematurely:

Babe Ruth [08:17]: "I can see the scoreboard from here. The game's over and we lost."

This decision results in Babe being fired from the Yankees, as highlighted by Eddie:

Eddie [08:56]: "The newspaper headlines the next morning were a foot high. Babe Ruth fired from the Yankees."

Despite external pressures and the allure of media scrutiny, Babe remains steadfast in his principles. He chooses to protect Jackie and Duke from the fallout:

Babe Ruth [07:46]: "But still, that's why I made Jackie promise to keep quiet about what happened today. And I want you to promise the same thing, Eddie."

Themes and Insights

Babe's Philosophy: No Bad Kids

Throughout the episode, Babe Ruth emphasizes his belief that children are not inherently bad but can be misguided:

Babe Ruth [09:13]: "Call me a dope if you want to, but I still say there are no bad kids, Eddie. Only good kids with wrong ideas."

This philosophy underpins the entire narrative, highlighting themes of understanding, mentorship, and community responsibility.

Integrity Over Fame

Babe's decision to leave the game, despite personal and professional repercussions, underscores the importance of integrity over personal gain or fame. His actions serve as a timeless lesson on doing what's right, even when it's challenging.

Supporting Narratives and Characters

Eddie: The Loyal Bat Boy

Eddie's character adds depth to the story, portraying the internal conflict between loyalty to his team and acknowledging Babe's righteous actions:

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."

Duke: The Redeemed Antagonist

Initially depicted as a menacing bully, Duke's character arc progresses from antagonist to a reconciled figure:

Duke [10:29]: "I'm not gonna. I just told him what happened. I said I might be a heel, but not so big a heel I can keep my trap shut."

His transformation highlights the impact of positive intervention and mentorship.

Conclusion and Legacy

The episode concludes with Babe Ruth reflecting on the day's events, reaffirming his belief in the inherent goodness of youth and the power of guidance:

Babe Ruth [11:43]: "You know, Eddie, I think you got something there."

This resolution not only ties up the narrative but also reinforces the central themes of redemption and the enduring influence of strong moral leadership.

Looking Ahead: Teaser for Next Episode

As the episode wraps up, Jackson Beck hints at future stories, ensuring listeners remain engaged:

Jackson Beck [14:12]: "Next week, Jack, I'm going to tell you about a beanball pitcher who tried to finish Babe Ruth and brought about the most sensational exploit in the big fellow's career."

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Notable Quotes:

• Babe Ruth on Integrity:

  "There aren't any bad kids, Eddie. Some of them just get wrong ideas sometimes." [03:38]

• Duke's Transformation:

  "But you're also the finest, swellest, greatest guy I ever knew. Put it there. Babe, tell me there's no hard feelings." [10:27]

• Babe's Philosophical Insight:

  "I still say there are no bad kids, Eddie. Only good kids with wrong ideas." [09:13]

Final Thoughts

There Are No Bad Kids is a testament to the storytelling prowess of Harold's Old Time Radio, seamlessly blending drama, moral lessons, and the timeless allure of baseball legend Babe Ruth. The episode not only entertains but also imparts valuable life lessons on compassion, integrity, and the transformative power of positive influence.

Transcript

[Nicole Byer]

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[Babe Ruth]

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[Eddie]

Every style, every home.

[Steve Martin]

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 pal, the popular sports reporter, Steve Martin.

[Jackson Beck]

One of Babe Ruth's most exciting adventures took place when I was at sea on Navy maneuvers. Eddie, who was the Yankees bad boy at the time, is going to tell you how the big fellow risked his life against a tough Chicago hoodlum. But before you meet Eddie, I know you'll be interested in a short message from Jackson Beck. Come in, Jack.

[Steve Martin]

Steve, a few minutes ago, before the show, you and Gardner Malloy, the tennis star who's our guest today, were yawning about some of the strange, wonderful places you've been with the Navy. Why not tell everybody?

[Jackson Beck]

Sure, Jack. It's not unusual for any Navy man to have been around the world a couple of times. If you're an American, the chances are you've got some red blooded love of adventure in you. And a yen for the strange, exotic cities of the world. Shanghai, Stockholm, Ceylon and Rome. And rolling down to Rio with a great ship under you and the infinite sky above Gibraltar, Burma, London and Paris. Bull fights in Lisbon, the pyramids in Egypt, the temples of Rangoon. Those are the things that a Navy man sees free. Believe me. That's the life for a young fellow. And you can make it one of the finest careers in the world, too. But there's more than just fun and travel in the Navy. There's education, the chance to be a specialist in one of the many Navy skills. There's fast advancement, too, and the security that everyone wants for under the Navy's liberal retirement plan, you're guaranteed a lifetime income.

[Steve Martin]

Sounds good to me, Steve.

[Jackson Beck]

It is good, Jack. Very good indeed. And if you are a young man over 17, be sure to get all the details at your nearest Navy recruiting office.

[Steve Martin]

And now, here's Eddie, the Yankees Bat Boy and the Adventures of Babe Ruth.

[Eddie]

I was late getting into the clubhouse with my bats one day and all the players were gone, except Babe. He was across the room rummaging through a trunk. And I noticed a little kid in.

[Steve Martin]

Front of his lobster.

[Babe Ruth]

Got an extra feelers, glove you can have, Jackie. And maybe a baseball cap, too. How's that?

[Jackie]

Gee, thanks, Babe.

[Eddie]

Hey, what did you just take out of the Babe's locker, kid?

[Duke]

Oh, me?

[Eddie]

Yeah, you. Give me what you took out of his locker.

[Jackie]

I didn't take nothing.

[Eddie]

Let me go. I saw you. Give me what you took out of the Babe's locker. Let me go. Eat your head, you dirty little thing. Give me a. Come on, hand it over. Eddie, cut it out. Fix this little.

[Duke]

Cut it out, I said.

[Babe Ruth]

I'll let him go. What's the idea of jumping this little guy, Eddie?

[Eddie]

This is the idea, Babe.

[Babe Ruth]

Here.

[Eddie]

Look what he swiped out of your locker.

[Babe Ruth]

That's my World Series watch. Jackie, did you try to steal my watch?

[Jackie]

I didn't want to, Babe, honest.

[Eddie]

But you were walking in your sleep, huh?

[Babe Ruth]

Lay off, Eddie. Come on, son.

[Eddie]

Oh, now, look, Babe, you don't want to listen to a phony sob story. This is a bad, no good kid.

[Babe Ruth]

There aren't any bad kids, Eddie. Some of them just get wrong ideas sometimes. Now, come on, Jackie, stop crying. Tell me why you stole my watch.

[Jackie]

It was on account of Duke, this big boy. He makes all new kids in the neighborhood pay him $10 or else he beats him up. I couldn't get any $10, so he said I had to come in here and steal the watch or he'd beat me up so I'd have to go to the hospital.

[Eddie]

Ah, that's a lot of baloney.

[Duke]

It is.

[Babe Ruth]

We're going to find out if it is or not. Look, Jackie, where is this Duke character?

[Jackie]

He's waiting for me outside in his car, but.

[Babe Ruth]

Okay, let's go out and see him.

[Duke]

No, Babe.

[Jackie]

If he knows I squealed, oh, he'll kill me.

[Babe Ruth]

Oh, no, he won't.

[Jackie]

There he goes.

[Eddie]

That was Duke.

[Jackie]

He saw us, Babe.

[Eddie]

Hey, that guy looks even bigger than you, Babe.

[Jackie]

He used to be a professional fighter.

[Babe Ruth]

Oh, gosh.

[Jackie]

Now he knows I squealed on him, he'll.

[Babe Ruth]

Don't be afraid, Jackie. He won't bother you anymore.

[Jackie]

He will.

[Duke]

He.

[Babe Ruth]

He won't. Now he knows I'm behind you. But just in case he does, you get in touch with me right away, understand? Wherever I am.

[Eddie]

The big fella didn't know what he was letting himself in for when he told Jackie that, and neither did I. But we found out the next day at the ballpark. We were trailing The White Sox by 11 in the 8th inning when Combs worked the pitcher for a pass and Sewell singled. Babe fouled one off and broke his bat. He came back to the dugout for another bat when one of the clubhouse attendants came running up to him and said something to him. Well, the next thing we knew, the big fella dropped his bat and started through the dug out to the tunnel. Manager Huggins tried to stop.

[Duke]

Hey, where are you going? Babe, Come back here. Babe. Hey, where are you?

[Steve Martin]

Babe.

[Eddie]

Dave, wait for me. Where you going?

[Babe Ruth]

Get my car, Eddie.

[Eddie]

Duke's got Jackie.

[Babe Ruth]

What? Where? In an old car barn. Some friend of Jackie's phone for me. Duke said he was going to kill the kid.

[Eddie]

We tore up 39th street in the big fellow's car and pulled up behind some boarded up car barns. Duke's red roaster was there. We piled on those big half dark barns and saw two husky kids, each holding one of little Jackie's arms. Duke was standing in front of Jackie and he had a lead pipe in his hand. Duke was saying, take my advice, will you? I told you I'd get you a little punk.

[Gardiner Malloy]

Squeal on me, will you?

[Jackie]

Don't hit me, Duke.

[Eddie]

I'm gonna fix you good. Oh, that's me. Hey, come back here, you guys.

[Babe Ruth]

No, no, let him go, Eddie. Duke, here's the one we want. Now, look, Duke, I won't.

[Eddie]

I'll teach you to keep your nose out of my business, Ruth.

[Steve Martin]

Like this.

[Eddie]

Babe. Babe, look out.

[Babe Ruth]

How do you like it, big shot?

[Eddie]

Take.

[Duke]

And this.

[Eddie]

Oh, my gosh. Big fella was down on one knee and there was blood on his forehead. I jumped in and Duke hit me across the face with the lead pipe, sending me reeling. Then he was standing over Babe again, slugging him.

[Duke]

But in a minute, the big fellow.

[Eddie]

Was up and fighting for his life. He worked his way in. Left fly. And Duke was down. He got right up and Babe dropped him again. Duke had trouble getting up. When he finally made it, he could hardly raise his hands. He was ripe for the kill.

[Jackie]

Send him to dreamland, Babe.

[Eddie]

Let him have it, Babe. The Oko now, boys, he's had enough.

[Babe Ruth]

Am I right, Duke?

[Eddie]

Yes.

[Gardiner Malloy]

Yeah.

[Eddie]

Nuts to that, Babe. He wasn't gonna let Jackie off that easy.

[Babe Ruth]

I never hit a man when he's down, did he? Anyhow, I don't think Duke will cause Jackie any more trouble. Or any other young street. How about it, Duke?

[Gardiner Malloy]

Well, I don't.

[Babe Ruth]

You see, boys, Duke just had to learn you can't push people around. And Figure to get away with it because you're big and tough. That's not only bad sportsmanship, it's dumb. Somebody just as big as you is bound to show up someday and cut you down to your right size. Let's go now, Eddie. Come on, Jackie.

[Eddie]

Wait, Babe.

[Gardiner Malloy]

Ain't you gonna have me pinched?

[Babe Ruth]

No. No, Duke. Maybe I ought to. But I got a hunch you learned your lesson today. If I'm wrong, well, you'll just get in a worse jam and the law will catch up with you. Let's get the car and get back to the park, boys. There's a ball game going on.

[Eddie]

You must have gone soft in the head, letting that Duke character go.

[Jackson Beck]

Babe.

[Eddie]

Don't give me that baloney about his learning his lesson.

[Babe Ruth]

I think he did, Eddie, but I had another reason.

[Eddie]

Yeah?

[Steve Martin]

What?

[Babe Ruth]

Jackie. If we had Duke arrested, there'd be a trial. That stuff about Jackie trying to steal my watch would have to come out. And Duke might deny he forced Jackie to do it.

[Eddie]

Sure, he'd deny it.

[Babe Ruth]

That's just it. Jackie couldn't prove Duke did force him. And plenty of people would believe Jackie was a thief. He might even draw a reform school stretch.

[Eddie]

Say, that's right, Babe.

[Babe Ruth]

But still, that's why I made Jackie promise to keep quiet about what happened today. And I want you to promise the same thing, Eddie.

[Eddie]

Well, sure, if you say so, Babe.

[Babe Ruth]

That's my boy. Now, if only, uh.

[Eddie]

Oh, what now?

[Babe Ruth]

I can see the scoreboard from here. The game's over and we lost.

[Duke]

Oh, no.

[Babe Ruth]

Oh, yes. Well, here's where we face the music. For running out on the game, you mean.

[Duke]

Babe, you refuse to tell me why you walked out on the game today.

[Babe Ruth]

I can't hug. I wish I could, but, well, I just can't.

[Duke]

Okay, then turn in your uniform.

[Eddie]

No.

[Duke]

You committed the one unpardonable sin of a ballplayer walking out on a game and on his team. Not even the great Babe Ruth can get away with that.

[Eddie]

Oh, but you're through, Babe.

[Duke]

Finished, washed up. That goes for you too, Eddie. You're both no longer Yankees.

[Eddie]

The newspaper headlines the next morning were a foot high. Babe Ruth fired from the Yankees. Reporters practically broke down the door of his hotel room in Chicago, but he wouldn't let them in. I pleaded with him to give out the real story, but he wouldn't.

[Babe Ruth]

I told you, Eddie, if I talk, Duke will be arrested and Jackie too, and both their lives will be ruined.

[Eddie]

Oh, now, don't tell me you care what happens to that no good. Duke Character.

[Babe Ruth]

Call me a dope if you want to, but I still say there are no bad kids, Eddie. Only good kids with wrong ideas.

[Eddie]

Here we go again.

[Duke]

Babe, let me in.

[Steve Martin]

Babe.

[Eddie]

Hey, Babe, it's the Miller at the door. It's Huggins.

[Babe Ruth]

Don't let him in, or anybody else.

[Eddie]

But, Babe, we've got.

[Duke]

No, no.

[Eddie]

None of your reporters get in. Just Huggins.

[Duke]

Hurry up.

[Eddie]

Hug.

[Babe Ruth]

Babe.

[Duke]

You stupid son of a guy.

[Babe Ruth]

Now, hold it, Hug. You already called me an UP name.

[Duke]

I'm gonna call you a lot more. You're not only stupid, stubborn, thick headed, ridiculous.

[Steve Martin]

Hold on.

[Duke]

But you're also the finest, swellest, greatest guy I ever knew. Put it there. Babe, Tell me there's no hard feelings.

[Eddie]

But what goes on here?

[Duke]

I got the whole story. Just a little while ago, you were standing by that little kid and why you left the game the other day.

[Babe Ruth]

Wait, Hug. You mean that little dummy Jackie talked.

[Duke]

Just to help me?

[Eddie]

He must have.

[Babe Ruth]

Jackie?

[Eddie]

Who's Jackie?

[Babe Ruth]

Who's J? Say, where did you get the story? Why, from Parker.

[Duke]

Parker?

[Eddie]

Who's Parker?

[Duke]

Are you guys trying to kid me? No, not at all.

[Babe Ruth]

I don't know any Parker, and I.

[Duke]

Don'T get this, but. Wait a minute. Come in here, Parker? No, no, no. Just Parker. There he is now. What in the world?

[Jackson Beck]

Hey, Duke.

[Babe Ruth]

It's Duke.

[Gardiner Malloy]

Hello, Mr. Luke.

[Babe Ruth]

It's not Mr. Ruth, it's Babe. And what do you mean opening your big mouth? What do you think I kept mine shut for? I know why.

[Gardiner Malloy]

Give me a break.

[Babe Ruth]

But not only you. Not only you. It was Jackie too. I don't want his name dirty.

[Gardiner Malloy]

Take it easy. I didn't give out his name to Mr. Huggins, and I'm not gonna. I just told him what happened. I said I might be a heel, but not so big a heel I can keep my trap shut. And let you take the rat for me. When? Well, after what you did for me. Not turning me in and talking to me like I wasn't just a punk.

[Eddie]

That must be dreaming.

[Babe Ruth]

You're not a punk, Duke. You're okay now. Holy Cats. It's 2:10.

[Duke]

The game starts in 20 minutes. You're gonna play today, Babe, and get us back in the race for the pennies.

[Babe Ruth]

Oh, am I gonna play today? Tell him, Eddie.

[Eddie]

I haven't got time. I gotta get to the park and sell those socks, pictures, some life insurance. They're gonna need it today. The night we left Chicago, after we said goodbye to Jackie and Duke, I was on the observation platform with Babe, the big fella. Kind of chuckles a little and says.

[Babe Ruth]

To me, you see what I mean, Eddie?

[Eddie]

About what, Babe?

[Babe Ruth]

About bad kids.

[Eddie]

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. Okay.

[Babe Ruth]

You know, Eddie, I think you got something there.

[Jackson Beck]

Our guest is Gardiner Malloy, who has been national doubles champion for four years and was a member of the Davis cup team for three successive years. Much more than all that, Gardner Malloy was a skipper of an LST in the amphibious forces in the Mediterranean during the war and is the veteran of five beachhead landings. As an old and experienced Navy man, as well as one of America's great tennis players, he has a few things to say.

[Unknown]

I went into the Navy's V7 course just after the war started and spent four rich, full years as a Navy man. And I think I can say from my own experience that it is a full life and with plenty of athletics, too. Of course, I didn't play as much tennis during the war years as I have since or before, but I still played enough and learned plenty, too, in the very field in which I was interested, executive work. Life aboard ship is really pretty wonderful. You get to see the world, you have adventure, and you know all the time that you're getting paid, perhaps even better than you might in civilian life. I can recommend the Navy as a lifetime career and do it in very definite terms, because I not only know from my own experience, but. But I've seen what it has done for other young men. As a matter of fact, my tennis coach, Slim Harbit of Miami, who was in the Navy, too, incidentally, has often remarked that a lot of my present physical fitness is due to my strenuous Navy background. I really think, and I honestly say this, that the Navy is a great life.

[Jackson Beck]

Thanks very much, Gardener Malloy. I think a lot of America's young men will accept your recommendation that Navy life is a good life.

[Steve Martin]

Steve, I think a lot of them, too, will want a copy of that colorful, interesting book on Navy sports. It's called Play Ball around the World, and anybody can get it free simply by asking for it at the nearby Navy recruiting office. Now, Steve, what story have you got for us next week?

[Jackson Beck]

Well, next week, Jack, I'm going to tell you about a beanball pitcher who tried to finish Babe Ruth and brought about the most sensational exploit in the big fellow's career.

[Steve Martin]

Sounds great, Steve. And we'll all be listening. The Adventures of Babe Ruth is written by Ben Freeman produced by Woody Close, directed by Ronald Dawson and presented by the United States Navy.

[Duke]

Ram.