Studio One (CBS): “Alibi Ike” (May 20, 1947)

Harold’s Old Time Radio | Aired: February 16, 2026

Based on the classic baseball story by Ring Lardner.

Episode Overview

This episode presents a radio adaptation of Ring Lardner’s “Alibi Ike,” a beloved comedic tale set in 1917 about Frank X. Farrell, a rookie outfielder for the Chicago White Sox whose relentless, humorous habit of making excuses—his “alibis”—becomes legendary. Studio One brings the ballpark camaraderie, pranks, and romantic entanglements of the era to vivid life with witty dialogue, period slang, and colorful characterizations. The episode explores themes of self-perception, humility, and the value of honest friendship both on and off the diamond.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Highlights

1. Introduction to the World of “Alibi Ike”

• The show opens with background on Ring Lardner’s story and the time (“the baseball wheel of 30 years ago”) [02:03].
• Listeners are introduced to the main character, Frank X. Farrell (Alibi Ike), as he meets teammates during spring training in Tampa.

2. Meet Alibi Ike and the White Sox Clubhouse

• Farrell’s reputation for having an excuse for everything is established early; even shaking hands, he claims, is difficult due to a previous injury which “only let [him] hit .356 last season” [05:40].
• The team pranks Farrell into attempting a “secret night batting practice with luminous balls”—an old rookie trick—which results in him getting caught by the police at the ballpark [11:00].

“If he can play as well as he can alibi, he’s gonna set the league on fire.” — (Ring Lardner) [13:55]

3. On Field Antics and Rivalries

• Farrell (Ike) botches his first practice in the outfield—immediately explaining away mistakes by blaming the glove, the wind, and even “malaria last season” [23:10].
• Teammates and coaches begin calling him “Alibi Ike” for this endless stream of justifications [25:03].

“He’s got an alibi for every occasion... Let’s just hope he can hit half as good as he can apologize!” — (Coach Cap Hackett) [24:40]

• Ike’s rivalry with his roommate/pitcher, Lefty Fisher, is set up with much banter and insult-trading. Each tries to one-up the other on tales of hardship and injuries [28:10].

4. Love Interests and Ballpark Romances

• Dolly Hackett, the manager’s daughter and Lefty’s sweetheart, is charmed by Ike despite his awkward braggadocio and superstitions about left-handers [33:35, 38:32].
• Cap Hackett’s concern grows as Ike’s need to impress—and his alibis—risk team morale and relationships.

5. Ike’s Big Mouth and Team Tensions

• Ike’s habit of giving reporters his candid, critical opinions (usually alibis) makes him unpopular with teammates and management [45:30].
• Misunderstandings and social ambitions (including mingling with high-society Cordelia Potter) escalate his outsider status in the clubhouse [55:00].

“Don’t alibi your club to the papers. They won’t appreciate it... They might get the notion that you’re getting the big hat.” — (Carrie) [46:50]

6. Climax: A Costly Slump and Moment of Reckoning

• Ike’s hitting slump dovetails with the team’s losing streak, with the blame game reaching its peak in the locker room [1:12:20].
• Cap finally confronts Farrell physically, demanding accountability. Farrell admits his faults for perhaps the first time, realizing his alibis hurt the team as much as himself [1:19:45].

“Gosh, Cap, I never realized I was making alibis for myself by putting the blame on you other guys.” — (Frank “Ike” Farrell) [1:21:00]

7. Resolution and Lessons Learned

• True to baseball’s spirit of forgiveness and camaraderie, the team reconciles, ready to “get back in first place.” Ike and Dolly share a heartfelt scene, promising to try again at love and teamwork [1:25:55].
• Ike’s final self-deprecating joke: “Maybe I meant the crazy ones... is the ones that throws right and bats left. Well, you do that, dear. Well, darn if I don’t.” [1:28:15]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [05:40 | Farrell to Lardner, on his injured hand:]

  “Oh, I only hit .356 last season because of it.”

• [13:55 | Lardner, observing Farrell:]

  “If he can play as well as he can alibi, he’s gonna set the league on fire.”

• [24:40 | Cap Hackett, on Ike’s excuses:]

  “He’s got an alibi for every occasion... Let’s just hope he can hit half as good as he can apologize!”

• [39:15 | Dolly Hackett, to Farrell about Lefty:]

  “You were very wrong when you warned me about left-handers. Thank you just the same for the invitation.”

• [46:50 | Carrie, advice on press relations:]

  “Don’t alibi your club to the papers. They won’t appreciate it... They might get the notion that you’re getting the big hat.”

• [1:21:00 | Ike, in his moment of self-realization:]

  “Gosh, Cap, I never realized I was making alibis for myself by putting the blame on you other guys.”

Important Segments by Timestamp

• [02:03] – Introduction and setup for the episode.
• [05:40] – Introduction of Frank X. Farrell, establishing his character traits.
• [11:00] – “Secret” night practice prank, Farrell caught by police.
• [23:10] – Farrell’s excuses during fielding and batting practice; nickname “Alibi Ike” emerges.
• [33:35] & [38:32] – Meeting Dolly Hackett; love triangle and teams dynamics.
• [45:30] – Ike’s alibis reach the press; team tensions rise.
• [55:00] – Society party scenes and further team alienation.
• [1:12:20] – Team’s losing streak and climax of resentment.
• [1:19:45] – Cap confronts Farrell; Ike’s confession.
• [1:25:55] – Romantic and team reconciliation.
• [1:28:15] – Closing self-aware joke.

Tone & Style

The script is rich in period baseball lingo and the comic vernacular of the day. Characters banter in a rapid-fire cadence, peppered with Midwestern slang and good-natured ribbing, but the story retains a warm sense of teamwork and redemption. The humor is gentle, affectionate, and evocative of an era when the country gathered around the radio (rather than a screen) for its nightly family entertainment.

For New Listeners

Even if you’ve never heard “Alibi Ike,” this episode captures the heart of baseball storytelling: colorful personalities, big dreams, and larger-than-life tall tales—always with a lesson in humility at the finish. The episode stands as a humorous, thoughtful snapshot of America’s pastime and the foibles of self-important heroes.