Joe DiMaggio Show 50-04-15 01 The Kids vs Grownups Sports Quiz

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio - "Joe DiMaggio Show 50-04-15 01 The Kids vs Grownups Sports Quiz"

Release Date: May 5, 2025
Host: Joe DiMaggio
Co-Host: Jack Barry

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1. Welcome and Introduction (00:29 - 01:43)

The episode kicks off with Jack Barry introducing the special guest, the iconic center fielder of the New York Yankees, Joe DiMaggio. DiMaggio expresses his excitement about returning to the airwaves and outlines the goals for the new series of broadcasts over NBC.

Notable Quote:
Joe DiMaggio [01:11]: "It's wonderful to be back on the air again and we're going to do all we can to make this new series of broadcasts over NBC entertaining."

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2. Listener Letters Segment (01:43 - 05:36)

Joe DiMaggio and Jack Barry engage with the audience by answering letters submitted by listeners. This segment sets the tone for audience interaction and participation in the show.

Key Questions Addressed:

• Team Predictions:
  George Tanker [02:28]: Asks DiMaggio's predictions for team performances in the American and National Leagues.
  Joe DiMaggio [02:46]: Shares his personal opinions, favoring the New York Yankees in the American League and the Brooklyn Dodgers in the National League.

  Notable Quote:
  Joe DiMaggio [02:46]: "In the American League, I naturally like the New York Yankees. The Boston Red Sox are going to furnish all the fight, believe me."

• Shoulder Ailment Concern:
  Helen Toulouse [03:51]: Inquires about DiMaggio's shoulder injury and its potential impact on his season.
  Joe DiMaggio [04:03]: Reassures listeners that the injury is manageable and won't hinder his performance.

  Notable Quote:
  Joe DiMaggio [04:03]: "It certainly is not going to bother my baseball this year."

• Young Fan’s Aspirations:
  Joan Hammer [04:30]: Wonders if her young son, passionate about baseball, has a chance to reach the major leagues.
  Joe DiMaggio [04:48]: Encourages pursuing baseball while also emphasizing the importance of education.

  Notable Quote:
  Joe DiMaggio [04:48]: "I would say yes. But I also recommend an education. That is if you don't cut the puck in baseball."

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3. Introduction to the Kids vs. Grownups Sports Quiz (05:36 - 06:31)

DiMaggio introduces a weekly feature where children and adults compete in a sports knowledge quiz. The format includes dividing participants into two teams—kids and grownups—and awarding runs for correct answers.

Notable Quote:
Joe DiMaggio [05:36]: "Who’s first letter from? ... these teams will match their wits and knowledge in sport."

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4. Kids vs. Grownups Sports Quiz (06:31 - 12:34)

The main event of the episode is the Kids vs. Grownups Sports Quiz, featuring two teams: the boys' team (Charles Spear, 13, and Nick Gaetani, 14) and the grownups' team (Mrs. Catherine Avi and Mr. George Zimmerman). The quiz spans three innings, with each correct answer earning a run.

Highlights:

• First Inning:

  • Charles Spear: Correctly identifies the Pittsburgh Pirates (07:00) and "highlight" as the most popular sport in a cubicle (10:31).
  • Grownups: Mrs. Avi incorrectly answers the Rose Bowl winner and Mr. Zimmerman falters on a skiing-related question, leading to a kids' advantage.

• Second Inning:

  • Charles Spear: Correctly associates a song with basketball (09:07).
  • Mrs. Avi: Correctly identifies John L. Sullivan, the Boston Strong Boy (09:22).
  • Nick Gaetani: Correctly answers about Dave Ruth being a pitcher (09:37).
  • Mr. Zimmerman: Correctly identifies "Louise" as Ms. Suggs' first name (10:16).

• Third Inning:

  • Charles Spear: Correctly answers "highlight" again, solidifying the kids' lead (10:44).
  • Mrs. Avi: Correctly confirms the Brooklyn Dodgers' nickname origin (11:02).
  • Nick Gaetani: Accurately identifies Notre Dame as the college associated with the played fight song (11:29).
  • Mr. Zimmerman: Misses identifying John McGraw as "Little Napoleon McCarthy" (11:46).

Final Score:
Kids: 6 Runs
Grownups: 2 Runs

Conclusion: The kids triumph, reinforcing DiMaggio's assertion that children can possess substantial sports knowledge.

Notable Quote:
Joe DiMaggio [12:34]: "Kids probably know as much and sometimes more about sports than the grown ups."

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5. Sports Story by Tom Meany and Interview with Tommy Hendricks (12:34 - 26:46)

Segment with Tom Meany:

Tom Meany, a distinguished sports writer from Collier's magazine, shares a compelling sports narrative about a player named Tommy. The story highlights Tommy's pivotal role in a pennant race, showcasing his resilience and skill despite injuries.

Key Points:

• Tommy's Struggles:
  Facing low expectations and team distress, Tommy elevates his performance, hitting crucial home runs that shift team momentum.

• Injuries:
  Despite a broken toe and later a fractured vertebra, Tommy's determination sees him return to the game, leading his team to victory against the Boston Red Sox.

• Team Spirit:
  Emphasizes the importance of teamwork and mutual support within the ball club.

Notable Quote:
Tom Meany [22:04]: "Maybe that's the reason for their great success."

Interview with Tommy Hendricks:

Following the story, Tommy Hendricks, the player featured in Tom Meany's tale, joins the show. DiMaggio conducts an in-depth interview, delving into Tommy's career, personal life, and experiences.

Discussion Topics:

• Career Highlights:
  Tommy recounts memorable moments, including a decisive game at Yankee Stadium and overcoming injuries.

• Personal Life:
  Shares insights into balancing family life with a demanding sports career.

• Challenges and Triumphs:
  Describes the toughness of various ballparks and the strategic aspects of the game from his perspective.

• Hobbies and Interests:
  Discusses his passion for record collecting, piano, and participation in barbershop quartets.

Notable Quotes:
Tommy Hendricks [23:21]: "I'd say the same thing over and over to kids that like to play ball: There's only one way to play ball and that's the hustle."
Joe DiMaggio [25:12]: "Well, that sure was a long [home run]."

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6. Audience Q&A and Closing (26:46 - 30:22)

Audience Participation:

Listeners in the studio submit questions, enhancing the interactive nature of the show. Questions range from player acquisitions to personal anecdotes about baseball legends.

• Henry Carrascero [27:18]: Asks about the Yankees acquiring Ray Scarborough.
  Tom Meany [27:23]: Admits uncertainty but acknowledges the Yankees' interest in enhancing their pitching staff.

• Dennis Boho [27:47]: A young listener expresses admiration for Tommy Hendricks, prompting a light-hearted exchange.

• Charles Sicoriak [28:10]: Inquires about who Joe DiMaggio considers the better all-around ballplayer between Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth.
  Tom Meany [28:31]: Suggests Babe Ruth for his versatility.

• Robert Morgan [28:50]: Asks about the number of bats Joe uses annually.
  Joe DiMaggio [28:57]: Estimates cracking around 14 bats in spring training alone.

Closing Remarks:

Jack Barry and Joe DiMaggio wrap up the episode by thanking guests and participants. They preview future segments, including sports stories from prominent writers, and encourage listeners to engage by sending in more questions.

Final Notable Quote:
Joe DiMaggio [29:34]: "Stay tuned for thrilling science fiction Dimension X on NBC."

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Conclusion

This episode of "Joe DiMaggio Show" masterfully blends interactive quiz segments, heartfelt interviews, and insightful sports storytelling. By featuring real-life sports figures and engaging with the audience, the show captures the nostalgic essence of the Golden Age of Radio while delivering contemporary relevance. Listeners are treated to a rich tapestry of baseball lore, personal anecdotes, and friendly competition, making it both entertaining and informative.

Overall, the show emphasizes:

• The enduring legacy and personal touch of sports legends like Joe DiMaggio.
• The value of intergenerational knowledge and competition in sports.
• Inspirational stories that highlight resilience and teamwork.

Listeners, both old-time radio enthusiasts and new fans, will find this episode a delightful journey through sports history and personal storytelling.

Transcript

[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Zach Barry]

See terms and conditions 18/ NBC presents the Todimagio show featuring Zach Barry with the Kids vs. Grown Ups sports quiz with Joe DiMaggio's personal answers to the listeners, a reporter's exciting story about this week's famous guest. And now here he is, the star of our transcribed show, the center fielder of the world champion New York Yankees. And what a baseball's all time great. Here he is in person, Jolton. Joe Daggio.

[Joe DiMaggio]

Thank you very much and hello everyone. It's wonderful to be back on the air again and we're going to do all we can to make this new series of broadcasts over NBC entertaining. And just yesterday my team and I returned to New York after a short exhibition road trip. Now it's spring training behind us. We're all set for the baseball season ahead. The new season should be very exciting and I hope to bring some of that excitement to these microphones. Seated alongside of me is my radio partner, Jack Barry. And between the two of us, we hope to bat out a show each week that you'll really enjoy. Right, Jack? Yes, indeed, Joe.

[Jack Barry]

The last time I saw you was down in St. Petersburg and you were sure batting those bulls around the park.

[Joe DiMaggio]

Well, I must admit I feel better this year than I have felt in a long time. I'm real anxious for the season to get started right now. Let's get on with the program. You know, Jack, there's one thing about radio I really like. The broadcast was never canceled because of snow.

[Jack Barry]

Well, Joe, there are a lot of many fine things about radio and one of them is having you back on the air with us. And when it was announced in all the papers that you were going to do a new series of shows over NBC, we received a lot of letters from listeners. And as you and I discussed some weeks ago, you remember, we decided that each week we'd start the show by having you answer some of the most interesting letters received here at NBC.

[Joe DiMaggio]

Well, I sure do Remember, and I'll do my best to answer them. Who's first letter from?

[Jack Barry]

Well, we received a letter from Mr. George Tanker of Washington, D.C. and he asked this question. He said, considering the lineup of the various teams as well as what's happened during spring training, how do you think the teams will finish in both the American and National Leagues?

[Joe DiMaggio]

Well, now, Jack, you know, for the first, that's really putting me on the spot.

[Jack Barry]

It's a big order.

[Joe DiMaggio]

It certainly is. But I'm going to do the best I can. And I want you to know one thing, that this is absolutely my opinion and only my opinion. So if I'm wrong at the end of the year, don't take it out on me. But in the American League, I naturally like the New York Yankees. The Boston Red Sox are going to furnish all the fight, believe me. And I think for the third spot, Detroit is going to be there and they're going to battle all the way. And I'm looking for Cleveland. Philadelphia to mad order. Now, in the National League, I haven't seen all the teams down at Florida, but I will say the team that looks best to me right at this particular time is the Brooklyn Dodgers. And I am going to pick St. Louis for second. And the Boston Braves are going to furnish an awful lot of trouble. I'm not going to certainly put them out of it, but I'm going to pick them for third anyhow. And plus we have the New York Giants, who can be the big surprise. And I'm going to put them in fourth. And I sincerely hope that they do a lot better than sports, believe me. And, well, now we get back to Philadelphia. I understand that Philadelphia is a young ball club and I think that Philadelphia will furnish quite a bit of excitement for the rest of the league.

[Jack Barry]

Thank you, Joe. Now, we received a letter from Ms. Helen Toulouse of the Bronx, New York. It's sort of two questions in one, Joe. The first one she asks is, just how serious is your shoulder ailment? And the second one is, will it interfere with your playing this season?

[Joe DiMaggio]

Well, I gave that story out in Florida. I guess it did cause quite a furrow, but I relax in a certain way that the arm pops up and by just rotating the shoulder, why, it comes back into place. And it certainly is not going to bother my baseball this year. I do have to watch out how I slide because I think that's how I originally got the injury. I will have to no doubt put the arm over the head so I don't have the arm Hit the ground when I'm sliding.

[Jack Barry]

I know Yaqui fans will be happy to hear it's nothing serious. A letter now from a Mrs. Joan Hammer of Brookline, Massachusetts. He writes and says, My ten and a half year old son thinks about nothing but baseball. His only interest in life seems to be this particular game. Is there a chance for him to get into the big league and do you recommend it?

[Joe DiMaggio]

Why, there's a chance for every boy to become a ball player. You know, when I was a boy, I look forward to being a ball player, but I certainly didn't feel as though any scout was going to look me over and maybe eventually play with some professional team and wind up in the major leagues. And I think that the young ball player is out there and wants to become a ballplayer. The main thing to do is to play baseball and listen to the old timers advice and go out and give everything you have. And as far as recommending it, I would say yes. But I also recommend an education. That is if you don't cut the buck in baseball. Why you always have something to lean back on.

[Jack Barry]

Thank you, Joe. Well, I'm afraid there's so much we have to do on this week's show that we've got to move on to other things. But this letter answering portion of the show will be a regular feature. So if any of you listeners do have questions you'd like to pose to Jordimaggio, by all means, send them in.

[Joe DiMaggio]

I think they'll help us to get to know one another better. We'll sort of be able to exchange ideas and opinions. I know that I'll find it very interesting and I sincerely hope that you will too. Many thanks. For the past few minutes I've been answering questions, but now I'm going to get someone else's hand. You know, when it comes to information about different subjects, kids will concede that grownups know more than they do. But when it comes to sports, kids draw the line. So each week we're going to have a sports split between the two teams. One of grown ups and the other of kids. These teams will match their wits and knowledge in sport. Want to add anything, sir?

[Jack Barry]

Just this little bit, Joe. The teams are going to play a three inning baseball game. And for every question answered correctly, that team scores one run. At the end of the quiz, the team scoring the most runs is declared the winner.

[Joe DiMaggio]

Jack, you pitch the questions and I'll unpause.

[Jack Barry]

Right, Joe.

[Joe DiMaggio]

I'm all set and let's play ball.

[Jack Barry]

Lined up on stage. Here with us are two teams, one of kids, one of grownups. On the boys team are Charles spear, who is 13, and Nick Gaetani, who is 14. And they're both members of the boys club too. We'll get to that in a minute. And they're going to compete against the grown up team composed of Mrs. Catherine Avi and Mr. George Zimmerman. And Charles Spear, you're up first. So let's get right to you. For the kids team, here's the first question. Here comes this pitch. What baseball team is nicknamed? The Pirates.

[Zach Barry]

The Pittsburgh Pirates.

[Joe DiMaggio]

That is correct.

[Jack Barry]

Good for you. And that's one run for the kids. On to The Grown Ups. Mrs. Catherine Avi. Mrs. Avi, you didn't want to give your age, did you?

[Zach Barry]

No.

[Jack Barry]

You still don't. All right, you don't have to, but you do have to answer this question. What college team won the Rose bowl game last January? Our organist is going to play a song that'll give you a clue.

[Zach Barry]

Iowa.

[Joe DiMaggio]

Oh, I'm sorry, but the answer was Ohio State and the song was down by the Ohio.

[Jack Barry]

We're awfully sorry, but the score is now one to nothing in favor of the kids team. On to the second member of the kids team, Nick Gaetani. Nick, is this true or false? Swimmers are sometimes called tank men.

[Zach Barry]

True.

[Joe DiMaggio]

That is true. A swimming pool is often called a tank. So swimmers are called tank men and.

[Jack Barry]

The kids have two runs to their credit. Mr. George Zimmerman. Mr. Zimmerman, how old are you, sir?

[Zach Barry]

34, sir.

[Jack Barry]

Oh, you don't mind telling your age.

[Joe DiMaggio]

Good for you.

[Jack Barry]

Let's see how you do with this question. Is the flying kilometer or kilometer an event in skiing, ice skating or swimming?

[Zach Barry]

I'll say swimming.

[Joe DiMaggio]

Swimming, did you say? Yes. Oh, I'm sorry. The answer is skiing. And by the way, the flying kilometer is one of the most dangerous events in sports. The skis are weighted with lead and I'm told those fellas travel as fast as 60 miles an hour.

[Jack Barry]

And here's the score at the end of the first inning of play. The score is two for the kids, a zero for the grown ups.

[Joe DiMaggio]

Fine.

[Jack Barry]

Now with the second inning right back to you, Charles Spear. Charles Spear, what branch of the boys have you gone to?

[Zach Barry]

Well, I go to the Kips Bay Boys Club.

[Jack Barry]

I see.

[Joe DiMaggio]

Good for you.

[Jack Barry]

Here's your question, Charles. Tell us what sport this song reminds you of.

[Tommy Hendricks]

I think that'll be basketball.

[Joe DiMaggio]

Basketball is right. And the song was A tiscuit A tasket. I lost my yellow basket.

[Jack Barry]

Good for you. I'm Alex Mrs. Catherine Avi. What great boxing champion was known as the Boston Strong Boy? Very famous.

[Zach Barry]

I don't know.

[Jack Barry]

Want to take a guess? Very famous. Many years ago.

[Zach Barry]

Sullivan.

[Joe DiMaggio]

Well, you are absolutely right. The answer is John L. Sullivan.

[Jack Barry]

On now to Nick Gattani for the kids team. Is this true or false? Dave Ruth was once a pitcher.

[Zach Barry]

True.

[Joe DiMaggio]

That is right. The Babe pitched for the Boston Red Sox. He still holds the record for pitching the most consecutive scoreless innings in World Series play.

[Jack Barry]

On now to Mr. George Zimmerman here at the end of the second inning. A little lady named Ms. Suggs has been showing championship form since she entered the professional ranks of golf. We want you to tell us her first name and the song you hear now. We'll give you a hint.

[Zach Barry]

I think her name is Louise.

[Joe DiMaggio]

Louise is the song. And of course that's Ms. Suggs first name.

[Jack Barry]

Good for you, Mr. Zimmerman. Here's the score at the end of the second inning of play. Well, the grown ups have two runs, but the kids have four runs. Now here we go, here we go into the third and final inning of play. And the grown ups are going to have to do mighty good in this, in this particular inning. Here's the first question. Charles Spear, age 13. What is the most popular sport in cubicle? Is it soccer, tennis or highlight?

[Zach Barry]

I think that would be highlight.

[Joe DiMaggio]

Well, highlight is right. Good for you.

[Jack Barry]

And now, Catherine Avi. Mrs. Catherine Avi, is this statement true or false? Now be careful on this one. The Brooklyn Dodgers got their name because of the unusually large number of trolley cars that overran Brooklyn at the time. True or false?

[Joe DiMaggio]

False. Oh, I'm sorry, but it's true.

[Jack Barry]

And now it's on to Nick Gatani. Nick, our organist is going to play the fight song of a college famous for its football teams. Can you tell us the name of the college? What do you say, Nick?

[Zach Barry]

That's Notre Dame.

[Joe DiMaggio]

That is right. And that's one of my favorite football teams.

[Jack Barry]

And here is the final question, the last question in our baseball game for Mr. George Zimmerman, age 34. What famous baseball manager was nicknamed Little Napoleon McCarthy?

[Joe DiMaggio]

No, I'm sorry, but the answer is John McGraw who managed the Giants for 30 years.

[Jack Barry]

And now here is the score at the end of our baseball game. The grownups have two runs, but they were swamped because the kids have six runs. Well, our congratulations to the member of the kids team. And they did prove what Joe DiMaggio said at the beginning, that kids probably know as much and sometimes more about sports than the grown ups. And to each of you members of the winning kids team, you're going to receive a handsome looking 17 jewel Helbros wristwatch and Mrs. Avi and Mr. Zimmerman on the Grown Ups team. We have a little consolation gift for you. And this is no editorial comment, but we want you to have a year's subscription to Sport Magazine.

[Joe DiMaggio]

Well, all I can say is that I really appreciate your efforts because I know what it means to be on a batting line myself. Many thanks for joining us.

[Jack Barry]

Each week, Joe DiMaggio will invite a famous sport sports writer to tell his favorite sports story on our program. Our story this week was selected by Tom Meaney, associate editor of Collier's magazine and for 25 years one of the country's leading sports reporters and columnists. Here he is, Tom Meaney.

[Joe DiMaggio]

Hello, Tom.

[Tom Meany]

Hi, Joe.

[Joe DiMaggio]

The last time I saw you was down in St. Petersburg at the Yankee training camp.

[Tom Meany]

That's right, Joe. I always manage to take in a few weeks of spring training every year. You know, we writers have to get in shape for the season, too.

[Joe DiMaggio]

Well, Tom, as a sports writer, how do you think the baseball season will wind up this year?

[Tom Meany]

Well, Joe, I feel pretty sure about the Brooklyn Dodgers. I think they'll win the National League pennant.

[Joe DiMaggio]

Well, that's what I think, too. But how about the American League?

[Tom Meany]

Well, Joe, that's a pretty delicate question. To me, the Red Sox look like the team to beat. After all, they lost out by only one game in the last two years. And this season their pitching has improved quite a bit.

[Joe DiMaggio]

Tom, I realize that you got to call them the way you see them, but the Yankees are going to upset your predictions this year.

[Tom Meany]

Well, I hope so. But it's going to be a red hot pennant race this year, Joe.

[Joe DiMaggio]

Well, it sure does. By the way, Tom, have you ever played baseball yourself?

[Tom Meany]

Yes, but not as much as I would have liked. I've always been too busy writing about sports.

[Joe DiMaggio]

In fact, don't you have a new book coming out?

[Tom Meany]

Yes, it'll be published on May 15th. It's called Baseball's Greatest Hitters. And by the way, Joe, there's a chapter in it about you.

[Joe DiMaggio]

Thanks for putting me in with such good company. But now, Tom, we'd like to take time out and hear your favorite sports story. What is it about?

[Tom Meany]

Well, Joe, it's about a baseball player who came into his own last year. For the sake of the story, we'll call him Tommy. You know, he'd been playing great ball in the big leagues for 10 years as a hitter and a fielder and as a hustler. In fact, he played so well that everybody took him for granted. But last season, the fans finally discovered what a great player Tommy really was. Before the season opened, everyone predicted his team would finish in the second division. A few of the stars were out of the lineup with injuries. And frankly, there was panic in the front office of the baseball club.

[Zach Barry]

Ted Barner is my name. I work in that front office Tom Meanie just told you about. And step into the world of power, loyalty and luck. I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse.

[Joe DiMaggio]

With family, cannolis and spins mean everything. Now you want to get mixed up.

[Zach Barry]

In the family business. Introducing the [e-mail] test your luck in.

[Joe DiMaggio]

The shadowy world of the Godfather's slot.

[Zach Barry]

Someday I will call upon you to.

[Jack Barry]

Do a service for me.

[Zach Barry]

Play the Godfather [e-mail] Welcome to the family. No purchase necessary. VGW Group void. We're prohibited by law. 21 plus terms and conditions apply. Leave me. If you add a couple of acres of gloom to that panic, you've got the picture of a ball club in distress. I guess I was about the only one who wasn't too worried. Because you see, I hadn't forgotten about Tommy. I was counting on him to help some us through. We opened the 49 season against Washington and it looked as though we were going to start off on the wrong foot as the Senators jumped out to a one run lead and held it. Then in our half of the night, with two away, we got a runner on base. But this had happened in other innings and always the runner had been stranded. The crowd began to ride our boys as though we had lost 15 games in a row. Now Tommy was at that and they seemed to be daring him to smash one over the fence like their heroes of the old days. But the crowd booing didn't seem to bother Tommy. He stepped up to the plate. The pitcher delivered. The crowd booing greeted him as he let the first one go by. Tommy rubbed some dirt on his hands, took a firm grip on the bat. The pitch came in and Tommy took a mighty swing that sent the ball failing, sailing, sailing over the right field wall. His two run homer won the ball. But that was only the beginning for Tommy. The next day he broke up the game with another homer. Then day after day, he hammered one pitcher after another. Four hits off the Indian. Two homers against the Browns. Tommy was made to order for the fans and for the front office. We were on top now with a safe lead. You Know, many people think that a baseball player's life is full of glamour. But take my word for it, there's plenty of wear and care. During the height of the pennant race. Tommy broke his toe in batting practice one morning. It was a painful injury. And not everybody knows what went on between Tommy and the doc before that game. Tommy, I think you'll be out at least a week with that toe. You banged it up but good. Oh, but I can walk on it without much trouble. Look, doc. Yeah? What are you gonna do when you try to put a shoe on Doc, I can see you were never a boy scout. Lend me a knife a second, huh? Now, don't look at me that way. I'm not dangerous. I hope you know what you're doing. Well, now, don't. You look cute with that big white bandage toe sticking out of your shoe. I can't let you go out in the field like that. They take away my license. No imagination, Doc. I'm way ahead of you. See this can of black paint? Now we dip the nasty toe in it.

[Tom Meany]

There.

[Zach Barry]

No more white toe. Just two black shoes like any other player. I just want to make sure that nobody will know the difference. Oh, Tommy, I give up. I wanted you to know that incident with the doc because it was so typical of Tommy. Throughout his entire career, this attitude seemed to dominate everything he did. He shrugged off the bad brakes with ease. But let me tell you about the time it looked as though even Tommy would have to give in. Late last August, he crashed into a fence while chasing a fly ball. He had to be carried from the field unconscious. The next day, the newspaper said he would be out for the rest of the season. Tommy got the news in the hospital. Doc, do you believe that story in the newspapers? I'm afraid it's true, Tommy. Doc, you always have to be a pessimist. What would you say if I told you I'd be playing again in a couple of weeks? I'd say you were wrong, Tommy. I'm not kidding. This time. It's serious. You really mean it?

[Joe DiMaggio]

Yeah.

[Zach Barry]

Tommy, you're fractured too, your vertebra. You'll be laid up for a long time. I guess this is one time black paint won't help. I'm afraid not. But to everyone's amazement, probably including Tommy's, he was back in the game in three weeks wearing a heavy brace. He couldn't have returned at a more crucial moment. The Boston Red Sox had been whittling down our lead and the heat was really on. I'll never forget that last day of the season, we were in a deadlock for first place with the Red Sox. And this was the game that would decide the pennant. A crowd of 68,000 people packed up stands roaring at every play. Tommy drove in a run in the first inning, and we led by that slim margin through the seventh. But the final two innings seemed like an eternity. In the last half of the eighth, Mel Parnell, the league's leading pitcher, came in for the socks, and he was out to set our boys down in order. Tommy was the first man to face him. Parnell went into his wind up and whipped the ball across the plate again. Parnell went into his wind up and slammed his fast one at Tommy. It was two or nothing on Tommy now. He stood there calmly adjusted his cap and got set for the next one. A hush came over the stadium as Parnell got the signal from the catcher. He studied Tommy for a moment and then delivered his Sunday pitch. Going. Going into the sand for a whole run. That home run started a rally that netted our team four runs. We beat the Red Sox five to three, and the pennant was ours. Tommy, injured though he was, had played an important part in the victory.

[Tom Meany]

Well, Joe, that's my favorite sports story. But there's one other thing about Tommy that I'd like to mention. He's always been a team player. And the wonderful thing about his ball club is that everybody feels the same way as Tommy. Maybe that's the reason for their great success.

[Joe DiMaggio]

Well, Tom Meany, thanks for that wonderful story. And now I'd like to introduce to you the man you've been telling us about. And here he is in person, old reliable Tommy Hendricks. Welcome to our show, Tommy.

[Tommy Hendricks]

Thanks, Joe.

[Joe DiMaggio]

It's great to be with you, Tommy. I think the first thing our audience would like to know is how you kept yourself busy all winter.

[Tommy Hendricks]

Well, that wasn't too tough. I went to a lot of banquets and watched a lot of football. And mostly I stayed home with the wife and the kids.

[Joe DiMaggio]

Oh, by the way, how. How many kids do you have, Tommy?

[Tommy Hendricks]

Just three so far, Joe.

[Joe DiMaggio]

Well, I remember back in 1942 when one of those kids started you off on a pretty busy day, and it's one of my favorite stories.

[Tommy Hendricks]

Well, Joe, it happened that my daughter was christened in the morning. Then we had a short luncheon, and then I left for Yankee Stadium and played a doubleheader against Washington in the afternoon. And then I got on a train and went out to Cleveland, signed up to enter the Coast Guard.

[Joe DiMaggio]

And Tommy, what was the greatest thrill you ever had in sports.

[Tommy Hendricks]

Well, about a week later, Joe played my last game in Yankee Stadium. And then the last time at bat, the public address announcer said that this was while I was standing at home plate ready to bat against Dizzy Trout. He made the announcement that this was to be my last time at bat for the duration. And the people gave me a great ovation. And I was acknowledged it and took my hat off and was ready to play ball. And I stepped in there and Dizzy Trout looked at me, he says, get out of there. He says, this is once in a lifetime time. Enjoy this. And that really hit me right to the core. And to this day it's the biggest thing ever happened to me.

[Joe DiMaggio]

And I also remember, Tommy, if you can't correct me if I am wrong, you got three hits that day.

[Tommy Hendricks]

Yeah, that's right, Joe. You don't forget those.

[Joe DiMaggio]

No, I don't. And Tommy, you know, we all have our favorite ballparks, and we also have our toughest. What is the toughest park for you to hit in?

[Tommy Hendricks]

Well, I pick Fenway park in Boston because it has the longest right field. But Washington has an awful long one too. And I put those two down for that reason that the longer the fences, the tougher it is to get a safe hit.

[Joe DiMaggio]

And tell me about something about those leagues that you played in before you got up here.

[Tommy Hendricks]

Well, before I got up here, the toughest park I'd ever played in was at Manesson, Pennsylvania. That was a class D ball club. And they had a tree in deep center field and they had a roadway that cut across and then embankment in the right center field. You had to know something besides catching the ball. You had to be able to dodge out there.

[Joe DiMaggio]

And wasn't Monessen the place where you hit that pretty long ball?

[Tommy Hendricks]

Well, it was in that league, Joe. It happened to be Charleroi, Pennsylvania. And I hit a ball over the right field wall and it landed in the Monongahela River. And the last that was seen was going through New Orleans and the Mississippi.

[Joe DiMaggio]

Well, that sure was a long. Tommy, after being in the outfield for so many years, how do you like your new job at first base?

[Tommy Hendricks]

I like it very much. Joe, all these years you've been saying about the outfielder should pay to get in the ballpark. Well, I don't believe that you have a lot of running around to do out there. And you know as well as I do when the pitcher has a bad day where the outfielder has to run down his mistakes. And I hope that this Year I'll be looking around at you. You can run them down from here.

[Joe DiMaggio]

Let's hope you don't have to look too far, Tommy. Tom, we all have a lot of hobbies, you know, you might have several. What are yours?

[Tommy Hendricks]

I have quite a record collection. I like to collect all kind of records. I fool around the piano a little bit and I'm also a member of the SPE B SQSA hey, what are.

[Joe DiMaggio]

Those initials stand for?

[Tommy Hendricks]

That stands for the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America Incorporated. And you know, I was on a journey. Championship Barbershop Quartet in Ohio in 1947.

[Joe DiMaggio]

Well, I'll have more respect for you from now on when you sing in the shower, Tom.

[Tommy Hendricks]

I'll bet.

[Joe DiMaggio]

And Tommy, are there any tips on baseball that you'd like to leave with our audience?

[Tommy Hendricks]

Well, for the older people, I don't believe that they can pick out a better sport to watch. And for the young fellows, I think that I just say the same thing over and over to kids that like to play ball. There's only one way to play ball and that's the hustle. And you get the most out of it that way. From there on it's up to your own God given ability.

[Joe DiMaggio]

Well, thanks Tommy, for a wonderful interview, but don't go away because there's something coming up now which I'm sure you'll enjoy. Thanks again for being with us, Tommy.

[Tommy Hendricks]

Henry.

[Jack Barry]

Well, Joe, at the start of the program you spent some time answering letters which were sent in by our listeners. And of course we hope many people will send in letters that you can answer them. But right now I'm going to go out into the studio with the portable microphone and give the audience here at NBC a chance to pitch their questions at you, at Tommy Hendrick and at Tom Meany.

[Joe DiMaggio]

Well, that's okay with me. Is it okay with you fellas?

[Tom Meany]

All right with me, Joe.

[Joe DiMaggio]

Good. Who's got the first fist, Jack?

[Jack Barry]

A gentleman right here whose name is Henry Carrascero. And what is your question? And who is the director? That.

[Tommy Hendricks]

That's Tom Meany. I'd like to ask him what are the chances of the Yankees obtaining Ray Scarborough?

[Tom Meany]

I think you should have asked George Weiss. Frankly, I don't know. I know the Yankees would like to get another pitcher, as what club wouldn't, but I think Clark Griffith's a tough man to deal with.

[Jack Barry]

Thank you very much. Tom Meany, a young fellow. Now, what's your name?

[Joe DiMaggio]

Dennis Boho.

[Jack Barry]

How old are you?

[Zach Barry]

Seven.

[Jack Barry]

What's the question?

[Zach Barry]

I like to wear Tommy Henry.

[Joe DiMaggio]

How?

[Tommy Hendricks]

Well, Dennis, I'm glad to tell you that the doctor in Baltimore gave me a pretty good okay on it. He removed a lot of fear from my mind and I'm ready to go, I think.

[Jack Barry]

Thanks a lot. It was very nice for you to ask that, Dennis. What's your name, sir?

[Joe DiMaggio]

Charles Sicoriak.

[Jack Barry]

What's your question?

[Zach Barry]

I like to ask Joe DiMaggio, whom would you consider better all around ballplayer.

[Joe DiMaggio]

Lou Gehrig or Babe Ruth? That would be a little tough for me to answer and I'm going to tell you why, Charlie. I had the pleasure of seeing seeing Lou Gehrig play baseball, but I didn't get the chance to see Babe Ruth play ball. I don't know if Tom wants to answer the question because he has been around sports a lot more than I have.

[Jack Barry]

I noticed. Tom mean he does want to give an answer.

[Tom Meany]

Well, I'd say Babe Ruth as an all around ball player. Gary was a great hitter, a great first baseman, a great team man. But Babe was a wonderful outfielder and also one of the best left handed pitchers that ever played ball.

[Jack Barry]

Thank you very much, Tom meanie. I'm Joe DiMaggio. What is your name?

[Zach Barry]

Robert Morgan.

[Jack Barry]

And who do you want to ask a question? What's the question?

[Zach Barry]

How many bats do you use in one year?

[Joe DiMaggio]

Well, I don't count them but we certainly do use an awful lot of bats already this year up to date, that is. In spring training I have cracked something like about 14 bats and that is a record for me.

[Tommy Hendricks]

You haven't cracked them. A lot of other fellows have been here.

[Zach Barry]

I keep watering them.

[Jack Barry]

Well Joe, I'm sorry but that's just about all the time we have left for questions from our studio audience.

[Joe DiMaggio]

Well, I'm sorry too Jack, but I'll be looking forward to more questions next week.

[Jack Barry]

And Tom Meaney, for reporting that wonderful story about old Reliable, we'd like you to accept this smart looking portable Underwood champion typewriter. We're sure you'll be able to put it to good use in batting out more of your top notch sports stories.

[Joe DiMaggio]

Well, I'd like to thank Tommy Henrick and Tom Meany for joining us this week. Many thanks for coming down.

[Zach Barry]

NBC has presented the Joe DiMaggio show, the first in a new series of programs starring one of baseball's all time greats, Joe DiMaggio and featuring Jack Barry. Join us again next week at this time over the same NBC station for another entertaining and interesting half hour.

[Joe DiMaggio]

Sport.

[Zach Barry]

In this week's dramatic cast, you heard Everest, Sloan, Leon, Johnny and Ed Latimer. Music was by Arlo sports consultant Gene Shore. The Transfer Joe DiMaggio show is written by Mike Oppenheimer, directed by Dan Enright.

[Jack Barry]

And is a very Enright production.

[Zach Barry]

This is Fred Collins speaking.

[Joe DiMaggio]

Stay tuned for thrilling science fiction Dimension X on NBC.

[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Zach Barry]

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