Boston Blackie: The Baseball Player Murder (Encore) (EP4710)

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Boston Blackie: The Baseball Player Murder (Encore)" (EP4710)

Released: May 22, 2025
Podcast: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Host: Adam Graham
Episode: Boston Blackie

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Introduction

In this thrilling encore episode of Boston Blackie: The Baseball Player Murder, host Adam Graham immerses listeners in a classic detective narrative set against the backdrop of a bustling baseball game. This episode masterfully intertwines suspense, mystery, and the timeless charm of old-time radio drama, showcasing the enduring appeal of Boston Blackie's sleuthing prowess.

Plot Overview

The episode unfolds on a lively baseball day where Boston Blackie becomes inadvertently entangled in a mysterious murder. Mike Allen, a beloved baseball player known for his impeccable reputation, is tragically shot while sliding into second base. Inspector Faraday, ever suspicious of Blackie, intensifies his scrutiny, believing Blackie might be the perpetrator. As tensions rise, Blackie, accompanied by his wife Mary Wesley, delves deeper into the circumstances surrounding Mike's death, uncovering motives, alibis, and hidden agendas.

Key Scenes and Developments

1. Pre-Game Preparations and Suspicious Interactions ([03:29] - [05:37])
   Inspector Faraday adjusts the batting order, placing Lefty Jones in a new position and rearranging Mike Allen's spot. Lefty’s comment, “Just stick me anywhere in the lineup where I get a chance to poke a couple,” ([03:49]) subtly hints at underlying tensions. Mike Allen makes a critical phone call to Boston Blackie before the game, setting the stage for the ensuing mystery.

2. The Shooting Incident ([05:28] - [07:14])
   During the game, Mike Allen is shot while sliding into second base. Inspector Faraday immediately takes charge, declaring, “Mike Allen didn't twist his ankle. He's bleeding from a hole in the top of his head” ([05:37]). His authoritative interrogation of the players reveals Mike’s spotless reputation, deepening the mystery behind his unexpected death.

3. Boston Blackie’s Involvement ([07:31] - [11:00])
   Despite Inspector Faraday’s suspicions, Boston Blackie vehemently denies any involvement, stating, “I did not kill Mike Allen” ([08:38]). His confident demeanor and analytical approach begin to unravel the inspector’s flawed theories, suggesting that there’s more to the case than meets the eye.

4. Mary Wesley’s Discovery ([10:12] - [19:48])
   Mary Wesley becomes a pivotal character as she accompanies Blackie to the ballpark at night. Their investigation reveals inconsistencies in Inspector Faraday’s storyline, particularly regarding the angle of the gunshot. Blackie deduces, “The shot that killed Allen came from behind the baseball scoreboard” ([12:13]), challenging Faraday’s initial conclusions.

5. Confrontation with Mrs. Jones ([18:37] - [20:32])
   Boston Blackie interrogates Mrs. Jones, Mike Allen’s frequent visitor, uncovering vital information about the night of the murder. Her evasive responses and subtle clues point towards a deeper conspiracy, further implicating the hotel porter, Ben French.

6. The Final Showdown ([24:27] - [28:39])
   In a gripping climax, Blackie confronts Inspector Faraday, exposing Faraday’s flawed investigation methods. Blackie reveals his manipulative tactics to redirect suspicion, ultimately proving Faraday’s incompetence. A tense exchange ensues, highlighting Blackie’s cleverness: “I've got to talk to them” ([21:33]).

7. Resolution and Insight ([22:13] - [29:31])
   Adam Graham, the host, provides insightful commentary, highlighting the episode's intricate plot twists and character dynamics. Listener interactions and feedback further enrich the narrative, celebrating the enduring legacy of Boston Blackie and his allies.

Notable Quotes

• Boston Blackie: “I did not kill Mike Allen. I am going to help you find Alan's killer.” ([08:38])

• Inspector Faraday: “I'll find a reason for you to kill Alan. I'll prove you had the opportunity.” ([08:20])

• Mary Wesley: “Please tell me what we're doing here. You told me you'd tell me.” ([10:24])

• Boston Blackie: “Believe me, Inspector, if I do stay out of this case, that'll be good news for the murder.” ([16:35])

• Inspector Faraday: “One wonderful case against you.” ([25:29])

Key Insights and Themes

• Misplaced Suspicion: Inspector Faraday's unfounded distrust of Boston Blackie underscores the theme of misplaced suspicion prevalent in detective narratives. Blackie’s innocence and investigative acumen contrast sharply with Faraday’s tunnel vision.

• Clever Deduction: Blackie’s analytical approach and attention to detail, such as questioning the angle of the gunshot ([12:13]), highlight the importance of critical thinking in unraveling complex mysteries.

• Character Dynamics: The interplay between Blackie, Mary Wesley, and Inspector Faraday adds depth to the narrative, showcasing alliances, conflicts, and the pursuit of truth amidst deception.

• Classic Detective Elements: The episode embodies quintessential detective fiction elements—mysterious deaths, red herrings, and the ultimate triumph of intellect over ignorance.

Conclusion

"Boston Blackie: The Baseball Player Murder (Encore)" stands as a testament to the enduring allure of old-time radio detective dramas. Through its intricate plot, memorable characters, and sharp dialogue, the episode captivates listeners, offering a nostalgic yet timeless exploration of mystery and justice. Adam Graham's adept narration ensures that both longtime fans and new listeners are thoroughly engaged, making this episode a standout in the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio series.

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Listener Engagement

Towards the episode's end, host Adam Graham interacts with listeners, sharing commendations and addressing fan suggestions. Aaron from New York expresses his appreciation for the show’s depth and variety, particularly praising Boston Blackie and Inspector Thorne. Another listener, Leo, inquires about the possibility of featuring Sam Spade, to which Adam responds enthusiastically, confirming its addition to the podcast’s future lineup.

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Final Thoughts

This episode not only entertains but also celebrates the rich history of radio detective stories. By bringing Boston Blackie’s adventures to life with authenticity and passion, The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio continues to preserve and honor the Golden Age of Radio, making classic mysteries accessible and thrilling for contemporary audiences.

Transcript

[Boston Blackie]

You can make a difference in someone's.

[Mary Wesley]

Life, including your own, with a job in home care.

[Boston Blackie]

These jobs offer flexible schedules, health care.

[Inspector Faraday]

Retirement options and free training. They also provide paid time off and opportunities for overtime.

[Boston Blackie]

Visit oregonhomecarejobs.com to learn more and apply. That's oregonhomecarejobs.com.

[Inspector Faraday]

Zip system building enclosures streamline air, water and thermal control layers for high performance building envelopes in most conditions. Whatever you're adapting to our products, keep your build all zipped up. Learn [e-mail].

[Adam Graham]

Hello, this is Adam Graham. I hope you're enjoying this week's baseball themed encores. As a reminder, any offers or information contained in these episodes is not valid unless it's currently reflected on the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio Web. And remember to listen to the amazing world of Radio starting on Wednesday 28 May for the summer of Robert Louis Stevenson. Now enjoy another baseball related encore. Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio. From Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham. If you have a comment, email it to me. Box Thirteenreatetactives.net Follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and become one of our friends on Facebook facebook.com radiodetectives a reminder. You can pick up All I Needed to Know I Learned from Columbo, which examines the career and history of eight great fictional detectives, including Boston Blackie. It's available as an ebook or as an audiobook through audible.com or the iTunes store. And you can also pick up the sequel book, All I Needed to Know I Learned from Dragnet, with eight more detectives and policemen featured with more life lessons. Well, now it's time for today's episode of Boston Blackie. The original air date on this one is April 16th of 1946, and this one is the Baseball Player murder.

[Inspector Faraday]

Hey, Lefty. Lefty, come here, will you? Sure, boss. What's up? I'm shifting the batting order for today's game. Huh? I'm going to have Bruce lead off, Duncan batting second, and I'm moving you up to third. Mike Allen will bat fourth in your old spot. All right with me, boss. Just stick me anywhere in the lineup where I get a chance to poke a couple. I'm happy right now. Lefty, your team captain, write out that new batting order and give it to the umps, will you? Sure, boss. And tell Mike that he's batting forth. By the way, where is he? He's around for batting practice. He's still around. He's over there in the corner making a phone call. I'll go tell him. Tell him I won't hate him if he puts a couple out of the park. Okay, but I got an idea. He knows that. How's the arm, Joe? Oh, it's coming around. Steve's been working on it. Good.

[Boston Blackie]

Hello?

[Inspector Faraday]

Have a double mic. Bad connection. I think it's okay now. Hello? Hello? Hello? I can hear you now. Okay. Is Blackie home? No, he's not. This is Shorty. Who's this? This is Mike Allen. Look, tell Boston Blackie I've got to talk to him. I'll call him right after the game today. And now back to our story. And in a few moments, we'll meet.

[Boston Blackie]

Dick Kalmer as Boston Blackie.

[Inspector Faraday]

Enemy to those who make him an enemy, friend to those who have no friend. This is Clem McCarthy continuing with the last half of the first inning, folks. No score as yet. No score and two out, and Roos is at second. Mike Allen is up.

[Mary Wesley]

Here comes Shorty. Do we have to listen to.

[Inspector Faraday]

I just want to hear what. Mike Allen's up. Gosh, before game time, and I talk to him personally. Okay. Bradley sneaks a look at second, keeps close to the bag. I don't know what's now facing the blink. Here comes the pitch. Allen swings. It's a line drive over the Bird Basement's head. Coming in. He's standing up. Allen's heading for second. McGuire fires the ball. Allen slides and he's safe. We're in. But wait a minute, folks.

[Boston Blackie]

Wait a minute.

[Inspector Faraday]

Allen isn't getting up. He may have twisted his ankle. Harry, hand me those field glasses, please. Thank you. Folks, Mike Allen didn't twist his ankle.

[Boston Blackie]

He's bleeding from a hole in the.

[Inspector Faraday]

Top of his head here. It looks like he's been shot. And. And it looks as if he's dead. Holy mackerel. Okay, now, you ball players, all of you, line up against those dressing room lockers. Where's the manager? Which one of you is the manager of this club? I am Inspector Parody. I'm Max. Okay. You, one of your ball players was shot with a rifle a little while ago. Out in the ballpark. Who could have killed him? I don't know, Inspector Faraday. You don't know? I don't know. Who does know. Any of you guys got any ideas? How about you? Who are you? First? I'm Lefty Jones, Inspector. I'm captain of the team. All I can tell you is there never was a cleaner ballplayer in the business than Mike or a Cleaner living guy, either. Everybody liked him. Isn't that right, Mac? Oh, fine. When he was killed, so somebody didn't like him. Now, we know it wasn't any of you guys. From the angle of the bullet, we know the shot came from the center field stands. But from who in the stands? There were thousands of people out there. Look, Inspector, Mike was my friend. Whoever did kill Mike better hope that you find him before I do. Because it'd be a pleasure to bounce a bat off his head. We don't know anything. You told my assistant an hour ago that you remember Mike calling Boston Blackie before the game. Yes, but Blackie wasn't home, and I don't know what he wanted to talk to him about. And I got men out looking for Blankie. Now, let's get out of facts. You Donlon? Yes, sir. You got any reason to believe Mike Allen was mixed up with anything crooked? Mike? Not him. Lefty told you he was the cleanest.

[Boston Blackie]

Ball player in the league.

[Inspector Faraday]

Well, I. All right, you get in there. Blackie. Come on inside. Here he is, Inspector. Boston Blackie. I found him snooping around out in the grounds. Oh, yeah? Okay, you guys sit around on those benches over there and relax.

[Boston Blackie]

Take it easy.

[Inspector Faraday]

Well, Blackie, so Mike Allen made a phone call to you before the game, huh? What did he want?

[Boston Blackie]

I don't know. I wasn't home before the game.

[Inspector Faraday]

Where were you?

[Boston Blackie]

Out.

[Inspector Faraday]

You're gonna be a whole lot more out before I get through with you. Where were you when Alan was shot?

[Boston Blackie]

Still in the same place, Farnay. Out.

[Inspector Faraday]

Out where?

[Boston Blackie]

No place in particular. Just out.

[Inspector Faraday]

Rollins, grab his arms. Yes, sir. Now maybe we'll get somewhere.

[Boston Blackie]

Just a minute, Rawlins. You haven't got this arm very tight. Here, try a better grip.

[Inspector Faraday]

How's that?

[Boston Blackie]

Oh, good and tight. Okay, that'll do it. What now, Inspector?

[Inspector Faraday]

Now I search you, that's what. Let's see your coat pockets. Mm. Change. Paper clip. What's that for, Blacky?

[Boston Blackie]

To clip papers by a day. See, you learn something every day.

[Inspector Faraday]

And this, what's this, a hat check? No, it's a rain check for a ball game. For this ball game too. What do you know about that? So you were in the stands watching the ball game this afternoon, huh?

[Boston Blackie]

Guilty as charged. What's the penalty for that?

[Inspector Faraday]

I'll penalty you. I'll find a reason for you to kill Alan. I'll prove you had the opportunity.

[Boston Blackie]

Faraday. Dear friend Faraday, in reply to your most recent and most ridiculous suspicions, may I say that a. I did not Kill Mike Allen. B, I came to the park here today to see a ball game. And C, I am going to help you find Alan's killer.

[Inspector Faraday]

Oh, yeah? Well, D, E and F. You're gonna keep out of my way and you're not leaving town. You get that? Now, what's that?

[Boston Blackie]

A very pretty. What's that? I'd say.

[Inspector Faraday]

Where are you? Here I am, honey, right here. What's the matter?

[Mary Wesley]

Oh, Lefty, thank goodness you're all right. I heard over the radio that a ball player was killed.

[Inspector Faraday]

I thought. Just what did you think, lady? Who are you?

[Boston Blackie]

He's Inspector Paraday of the police. And if you stay here one more minute, he'll make you a suspect.

[Inspector Faraday]

Now, this is my wife, Inspector, doubting it was Mike who was shooting.

[Mary Wesley]

Mike?

[Inspector Faraday]

Oh, no.

[Boston Blackie]

Well, Mike will be glad to hear that.

[Mary Wesley]

Mike Dead. Oh, Lefty, I can't believe you.

[Inspector Faraday]

It's true, dear. I know it's hard to realize. Okay. Now, where were we?

[Boston Blackie]

You, my dear Inspector, were in a blizzard as usual. Now, I have a request to make. May I go?

[Inspector Faraday]

Why not? I can always lay my hands on you when I want you. I've got all these ballplayers to question only. Keep away from this ballpark, you hear, Blackie? Keep away.

[Boston Blackie]

Okay, pal, I'll run home now. But you'll need an awfully big score book to keep the errors you make before you finally strike out on this case.

[Mary Wesley]

All right, Blackie, now that I've ripped my only pair of nylons climbing over a fence to get in here, tell me what we're doing in a ballpark at 10 o' clock in the evening.

[Boston Blackie]

We're going to see a ball game, darling.

[Mary Wesley]

At this time?

[Boston Blackie]

It's a night game.

[Mary Wesley]

Oh, without any lights?

[Boston Blackie]

Sure. The fireflies are playing the mosquitoes.

[Mary Wesley]

Oh, Blackie, please.

[Boston Blackie]

Please you or please what?

[Mary Wesley]

Please tell me what we're doing here. You told me you'd tell me. Why, we were here when we got here. All right, we're here now. Why?

[Boston Blackie]

I also told you that I didn't want you to come. Why don't you remember that, Mary?

[Mary Wesley]

Oh, my memory's a convenient kind. Besides, if I didn't come, who would hold your flashlight?

[Boston Blackie]

I would.

[Mary Wesley]

Then I'm glad I came. I don't trust you with a flashlight. You'd probably trip over something and break your neck.

[Boston Blackie]

Who, me? I never tripped over anything in my.

[Mary Wesley]

What were you saying?

[Boston Blackie]

Whoever left a pictures box in the middle of a basement?

[Mary Wesley]

That was very, very careful. Come on, Blackie, tell me what we're doing here?

[Boston Blackie]

All right. We're on the way to second base. That's it, right over there.

[Mary Wesley]

That's very helpful. Thank you very much. And now tell me, what's second base?

[Boston Blackie]

It's what Mike Allen was sliding into when the shot caught him in the top of the head.

[Mary Wesley]

Darling, we know that. Why? Come out here.

[Boston Blackie]

I want to try something. Here we are, Mary. Now, as I remember the game this afternoon, Mike Allen got up to the plate, wiggling his bat, moving around. He wasn't much of a target until after he hit the ball and slid into second base here. Then for a moment, he was still.

[Mary Wesley]

Go ahead.

[Boston Blackie]

That was the moment the murderer was waiting for. He fired the shot that killed Mike Faraday figured the angle of the bullet indicated the gun was fired from the grandstand. I want to see if he's right.

[Mary Wesley]

Okay, but what do I do all this time?

[Boston Blackie]

Well, you're the second baseman.

[Mary Wesley]

Oh, goody.

[Boston Blackie]

You stand right there. That's right. Now, I'm gonna be Mike sliding in. I'll start the slide from about here. And here I come.

[Adam Graham]

You ruin your suit.

[Boston Blackie]

Oh, not to mention what I did to my stomach in Faraday's theory. Oh, Mary, listen, there are two kinds of slides. One is the fallaway where the runner comes into the base feet first.

[Mary Wesley]

All right, I'm listening.

[Boston Blackie]

The other is where he comes sliding.

[Mary Wesley]

In on his stomach, just like you did.

[Boston Blackie]

Yeah, and here's the big difference in the fall away. The top of the slider's head is out toward the stands. In the stomach slide, the top of his. It's toward. Yeah, let's see. It's toward the scoreboard, Mary. Faraday figured that Allen used the fallaway slide. That's natural. Most ball players do.

[Mary Wesley]

What, didn't Allen?

[Boston Blackie]

No, he came in on his stomach. I saw the game today. Faraday figured the shot came from the stands. Actually, it came from behind the scoreboard. Let's take a look at that score. Here are the steps leading up to the back of the scoreboard. Mary, that's what we want to see. Come on.

[Mary Wesley]

Listen, darling, we walked up here awful fast. Just wait till I get my breath.

[Boston Blackie]

Fine beauty you are, you take your own breath away.

[Mary Wesley]

Fine friend you are. Get me out to a ball field and don't even throw me a ball to catch.

[Boston Blackie]

You've got enough trouble catching your own breath. Is it?

[Inspector Faraday]

Well.

[Mary Wesley]

Well, it's open now. You can't show off and pick the lock. Okay. At least I get some compensation from that, huh?

[Boston Blackie]

It shouldn't be open well, come on inside and let's have that flashlight.

[Mary Wesley]

Right. Here it is, and here I am.

[Boston Blackie]

The way I figure this, Mary, the murderer hid up here until he could get a good shot at Mike Allen. When Alan slid, he shot.

[Mary Wesley]

But wasn't there a boy up here? A boy who puts the balls and strikes and outs and everything up there should have been.

[Boston Blackie]

Yes. Yes, there was a boy here. Mary. There he is over there in the corner. The murderer probably knocked him out, but he hit too hard.

[Mary Wesley]

Oh, Blackie, he's dead. No wonder the door wasn't locked.

[Boston Blackie]

No sign of who the murderer might have been.

[Mary Wesley]

Blacky, let's get out of here. If Faraday ever finds you here with that body, he'll never let you out of jail.

[Boston Blackie]

I know, but what would Faraday be doing here?

[Inspector Faraday]

What would Faraday be doing up here? I'd be following you, Blucky.

[Boston Blackie]

You could get a bloodhound to do that. He'd do it faster and look better than you do.

[Inspector Faraday]

Ah. I thought I told you to stay away from here, Blankie.

[Boston Blackie]

Yes, I suppose you did. But you didn't tell Ms. Wesley to stay away. And I couldn't let her come out here unescorted.

[Mary Wesley]

Could I, Inspector? Do you know that at first he wanted to let me come out here alone?

[Inspector Faraday]

The cad. Ms. Wesley, don't I have enough trouble with Blackie?

[Boston Blackie]

Aren't you sure, Inspector?

[Inspector Faraday]

Oh, sure, I'm sure. And I'm also sure that you had something to do with the murder of Mike Allen. That ought to prove to you, Blankie, you're not so smart and I'm not so dumb. Now back to Boston, Blackie.

[Boston Blackie]

After Mike Allen, baseball star, is mysteriously shot while sliding into second base, it.

[Inspector Faraday]

Is learned from Lefty Jones, another ball.

[Boston Blackie]

Player and his wife, that Mike had the cleanest record of any man in the major leagues. Boston Blackie, Inspector Faraday's perennial suspect, has figured out that the shot that killed Allen came from behind the baseball scoreboard. And he's investigating the scoreboard when Faraday surprises him.

[Inspector Faraday]

To complicate matters, the scoreboard boy has been found murdered. As we return to our story, it is a few minutes later.

[Boston Blackie]

Blackie, Mary Wesley and Faraday are still up behind the score. That's all I've got to tell you, pal. You were following me, so you know I didn't kill this boy here. All I've done so far is show you where the shot that killed Alan came from.

[Inspector Faraday]

Lanky, why is it you always show me something? You think I don't know why, Inspector?

[Boston Blackie]

Because I always have one less suspect to look for than you do. You waste too much time on me, Lecky.

[Mary Wesley]

I'd like to go home, please.

[Inspector Faraday]

What are you asking him for? I'm the one who decides where you're gonna go.

[Mary Wesley]

Well, where am I going to go, Inspector?

[Inspector Faraday]

Home. Take her home, Lecky. And believe me, if you don't stay out of this case from here in, it'll be bad news for you.

[Boston Blackie]

Believe me, Inspector, if I do stay out of this case, that'll be good news for the murder.

[Inspector Faraday]

It don't look like much of a hotel to me, Blackie.

[Boston Blackie]

You gotta take what you can get nowadays, Shorty. Besides, baseball players travel a lot and they're used to once over lightly accommodations. Let's go in. Push the revolving door, Shorty. I want to know what it's like to be a parasite.

[Inspector Faraday]

Okay, boss. Don't look like much of a lobby either. Nobody will.

[Boston Blackie]

Except the porter. Oh, boy. Yeah. Where is everybody? How do I find out a certain room number?

[Inspector Faraday]

Well, if I want any information around here, I'd go ask the clerk. There he is. The desk is over there in the corner, Blackie.

[Boston Blackie]

Yes, all right, Shorty. Thanks, boy.

[Inspector Faraday]

That's all right, boss. Neatly and all.

[Boston Blackie]

What is there about me that attracts characters? Surely.

[Mary Wesley]

Meaning me, boss?

[Boston Blackie]

Let's just say including you. Oh, I beg your pardon, sir. I'd like some information, please. Yes, sir. Would you tell me what room Lefty Jones is in, please? I'll have to announce you, sir. And the Jones phone is busy. Would you mind waiting? Not at all. By the way, do many of the ball players stop here? No, sir, not many. Only Mr. And Mrs. Jones. Mr. And Mrs. Jones? What position does she play? I beg your pardon? Sorry.

[Inspector Faraday]

Ain't you, boss?

[Boston Blackie]

Very. Say, it was a terrible thing out at the ballpark today, wasn't it? Yes, it certainly was. Mr. Allen used to come here to visit the Joneses very often. He was a great ball player. Ever seen play? No. My work here is pretty confining and I never did have much of an interest in baseball. Oh, the Jones wire is free. Who shall I say is calling? Boston, Blackie. Just a moment, please. Hello? Oh, Mrs. Jones. This is Mr. French at the desk. There's a Mr. Boston Black here to see you.

[Inspector Faraday]

Very well.

[Boston Blackie]

You may go right up. The elevator is over there. It's self service. Room 328.

[Inspector Faraday]

Room 328, he said. That's right here, boss.

[Boston Blackie]

Among my many assets is the fact that I can read numbers too, Shorty. But thanks anyhow. Hold it a moment. Come in. Hello. I met you, or rather saw you yesterday, Mrs. Jones.

[Mary Wesley]

Yes, I did see you yesterday, Blackie.

[Boston Blackie]

Thanks for remembering. This is my friend Shorty.

[Inspector Faraday]

How do you do?

[Mary Wesley]

My husband isn't home. Is there anything I can do for you?

[Boston Blackie]

That's a leading question, Mrs. Jones, but all I want is some information. What do you know about Mike Allen's death?

[Mary Wesley]

Only that the police thought you might have killed him.

[Boston Blackie]

That's all?

[Mary Wesley]

That's all. And now, would you mind?

[Boston Blackie]

Thank you. Sorry I bothered you. We'll be leaving now. Oh, by the way, this is rather a remote neighborhood. Will I have any trouble getting a cab?

[Mary Wesley]

I'll have the clerk call one for you.

[Boston Blackie]

Thanks.

[Mary Wesley]

Yes, Joe? My friends.

[Boston Blackie]

I've got to talk to them.

[Mary Wesley]

Not now.

[Inspector Faraday]

But I tell you, I must.

[Mary Wesley]

Would you mind calling a cab for my friends now, please?

[Boston Blackie]

Of course. I'm sorry.

[Mary Wesley]

Thank you. You'll have Ernest the porter get you one, Blackie?

[Boston Blackie]

Thank you. I'm sorry I bothered you, Mrs. Jones. Oh, there's one more thing. Should Inspector Faraday get in touch with you, please don't mention my visit here, will you?

[Mary Wesley]

Of course not. Goodbye. Blackie. I'm. I'm sorry I was rude when you first came in.

[Boston Blackie]

Forget it. Come on, Shorty, put down that magazine. Let's go, huh? Oh, okay, boss.

[Inspector Faraday]

Only the pictures were getting awful pretty.

[Boston Blackie]

Goodbye, Ms. Jones. Thank you again. And you won't forget to forget I was here in case Inspector Faraday asks you.

[Mary Wesley]

I won't. Goodbye.

[Inspector Faraday]

Goodbye, ma' am.

[Mary Wesley]

Frenchie. Frenchy.

[Inspector Faraday]

Yes, what is it?

[Mary Wesley]

Those two men leaving here. Stop them and call the police immediately.

[Inspector Faraday]

Ground floor. All out, Blackie.

[Boston Blackie]

Right, Johnny. Say, what did you think of Mrs.

[Inspector Faraday]

Jones, the guy we just left upstairs? Well, if you ask me.

[Boston Blackie]

Stay where you are.

[Inspector Faraday]

Hey, boss, the clerk.

[Boston Blackie]

I don't mind the clerk so much as that gun. He's.

[Inspector Faraday]

Don't move either.

[Boston Blackie]

The police will be here in a minute.

[Inspector Faraday]

Hey, boss, the way his hand is twitching makes me nervous.

[Boston Blackie]

I'm nervous, Shorty. Nervous enough maybe to you to paint.

[Inspector Faraday]

I got it, boss.

[Boston Blackie]

Get off of me. Get away from me. Money. Nice fainting, Shorty. Gives me time for this. That clip did it. He's out now, Shorty lets you and I get out, too.

[Mary Wesley]

And what, Mr. Boston, Blackie, were the results of your visit with Mrs. Jones?

[Boston Blackie]

I'm not sure, Mary, but I've got an idea. Let's have that telephone.

[Mary Wesley]

Boisi. That's French for here it is.

[Boston Blackie]

Grazia. That's Italian for thanks. You can't out language, me lady.

[Mary Wesley]

Silly of me to try, wasn't it, Mary?

[Boston Blackie]

You couldn't be silly trying anything.

[Mary Wesley]

Why, thank you, quite.

[Boston Blackie]

Now, hello. Hello. This here's ERNEST the porter. Mr. French, I think you want to talk to me. What are you talking about, Ernest? Mr. French. I was at the ball game today. Got there early on account of you gotta get there early to get seats in the bleachers, you know. And I saw you sneaking in the back of the scoreboard. I don't know what you're talking about. I think you do. In an hour, I'll be in a room at 700 West 124th Street. It might be a good idea for you to come up and discuss this matter, don't you think?

[Mary Wesley]

Goodbye, darling. Would you mind telling me what was the big idea of the minstrel routine?

[Boston Blackie]

Well, first of all, nobody seems to have reason for killing Mike Allen. But the batting order of yesterday's ball game was switched at the last minute. With Mike batting in lefty Jones spot. Now, suppose somebody didn't know it was switched and knew only that Jones usually batted in the fourth slot.

[Mary Wesley]

Well, then that somebody wouldn't know much about baseball. All lineups are subject to change without notice.

[Boston Blackie]

That's right. And the hotel clerk I just talked to doesn't know baseball at all. It was too far from the scoreboard to see a player's face. And maybe he intended to kill Jones, who usually batted forth.

[Mary Wesley]

Yes, but why would he want to kill Jones?

[Boston Blackie]

I heard the talk between him and Mrs. Jones. Why, that gal has him doing handsprings. Maybe he figured with Jones out of the way, he could get her to marry him. If I'm right, he'll come up to meet me and I'll put the heat on him and turn him over to Faraday on ice. Thanks for letting me use your room, Shorty. When you hear a knock on the door, it'll be the room clerk, French. So scram out the fire escape. Right.

[Inspector Faraday]

Well, suppose there's no knock on the door, boss?

[Boston Blackie]

Ben French is probably innocent. Only I wouldn't want to think that. There he is, Shorty. Just a minute, boss. Get out the window, Shorty.

[Inspector Faraday]

Okay, boss.

[Boston Blackie]

I'll be seeing you. Just a minute. Is that you, boss?

[Inspector Faraday]

That me, boss? No, it's me, Faraday. And I'm Blackie. What are you doing here?

[Boston Blackie]

I could ask you that question with better reason. Believe me.

[Inspector Faraday]

I get it, Blackie. Now you're adding blackmail to your other activities. You called French and gave him some story about seeing him Go behind the scoreboard yesterday, huh?

[Boston Blackie]

And he called you and told you that?

[Inspector Faraday]

Of course. Only he said the hotel porter called him. Now, what's that all about?

[Boston Blackie]

That was me playing hotel porter. Faraday, I think I've got something.

[Inspector Faraday]

Yeah, and I've got you, which is nothing.

[Boston Blackie]

Listen, I think French shot Mike Allen thinking he was killing Lefty Jones and that he still thinks the porter did see him at the ballpark. Look, he could never stop me from telling what I knew if I were the porter and did see him, could he?

[Inspector Faraday]

So.

[Boston Blackie]

So he told the story to you, knowing if he did that, no matter what I said, from there on he'd be in the clear. Faraday, I hate to ask for favors, but. Well, this time I'm gonna.

[Inspector Faraday]

This time you've got to ask for favors. I got a gun in my pocket I'll use in a minute. You get tough.

[Boston Blackie]

Here's your gun. I took that out of your pocket right after you came in here.

[Inspector Faraday]

What?

[Boston Blackie]

Yeah, Take it. It's heavy. Now, listen to me, Barney. Give me one more chance to prove the French is the man we want. One chance. In one hour, what can you lose?

[Inspector Faraday]

One wonderful case against you. All right, go ahead, blankie. Only you better make it good.

[Boston Blackie]

Thanks, Barney. Be in the hotel lobby talking to French in an hour. When a certain phone call will show you what a phony he is.

[Inspector Faraday]

It's. It's just like I told you, Mr. French. When we got up to that room on 124th street, there was nobody there.

[Boston Blackie]

Well, I. I knew there was some kind of mistake somewhere, Inspector.

[Inspector Faraday]

Yeah, well, I'll just hang around here and grab a smoke for a minute and then I'll go.

[Boston Blackie]

Oh, excuse me, Inspector. Hello, Victor Hotel. You called the cops? That wasn't smart, boss. Oh, well, just a minute.

[Inspector Faraday]

I'll see.

[Boston Blackie]

Oh. Somebody there? Yes. Yeah.

[Inspector Faraday]

Yes, of course.

[Boston Blackie]

I get it, boss. Okay. Just don't try the same trick again. You got 30 minutes to show up here so we can talk business. I see. That's all. Certainly. Certainly. I'll be glad to. Goodbye. The room shortage is getting worse all the time, Inspector.

[Inspector Faraday]

Yeah, we even noticed that down at the jail. Well, I'll be seeing you, French. I'm going home.

[Boston Blackie]

Goodbye, Inspector. I'm going off duty soon, but I can't go home. I've got to go see a friend of mine. Come on in, Bose. I seen you coming down the street, so I know it's you this time. Any.

[Inspector Faraday]

All right, turn on the light.

[Boston Blackie]

We don't need no light, boss. It's busted in the first place. And besides, I can feel money. I don't have to see the color of it. You can feel money. Maybe you can feel this, too. I wouldn't shoot no more if I was you, Mr. Friend. Somebody's likely to get hurt. Where are you? Somebody named you?

[Inspector Faraday]

Where are you?

[Boston Blackie]

You blackmailing right here. Only I'm moving around a little. I'm the wrestler's tie. I'm getting out of here. That's gonna be a little tough. The door is kind of locked a bit.

[Inspector Faraday]

What do you want? What is it?

[Boston Blackie]

For one thing, I don't want to be a porter no more. And a little doe would fix that. I want to get paid for spying on you and Mrs. Jones.

[Inspector Faraday]

So you used to watch us, huh?

[Boston Blackie]

Sure, and I seen you at the ballpark, too. Like I said, chances are the scoreboard boss saw you, too. So you had to kill him. That's worth thousand bucks, ain't it, boss? All right, you know what you're talking about.

[Inspector Faraday]

Come here.

[Boston Blackie]

Get your money. Okay, here I come.

[Inspector Faraday]

There you go.

[Boston Blackie]

I forgot to say I was coming, but I was ducking, too. You try and duck this. Throw the light on, Faraday.

[Inspector Faraday]

Nice, Pat Flanky.

[Boston Blackie]

You've heard enough. I wonder what there was about that guy's chin that attracted my fist. Well, Mary, it's a wonderful afternoon. Where would you like to go?

[Mary Wesley]

Where would you like to take me?

[Boston Blackie]

To a ball game?

[Mary Wesley]

Who's being murdered? I mean, who's playing today?

[Boston Blackie]

The Dodgers.

[Mary Wesley]

Oh, let's go. But I wish you'd tell me first what poor Mike Allen might have called you about the day he was killed.

[Boston Blackie]

Well, I'd asked him for an autographed baseball for your nephew, Mary.

[Mary Wesley]

Oh, no.

[Boston Blackie]

He probably just wanted to tell me that he had it. You know, it's a curious thing. Mary French had never been to a baseball game until the day he went and killed Allen and the scoreboard boy.

[Mary Wesley]

What's curious about that?

[Boston Blackie]

That the first time he sees the national pastime, it's his last.

[Inspector Faraday]

It.

[Adam Graham]

Sa.

[Mary Wesley]

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[Inspector Faraday]

Hi, this is Andrew from otrwesterns.com I wanted to invite you to come take a look at our site where we put out podcasts. Of Old Time Radio westerns. Check us [e-mail] you're listening to the Great Detectives of All Time Radio with Adam Graham. Now let's get back into the show.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. A seasonally appropriate episode of Boston Blackie. Given that this was a podcast March 30th of 2017, right before the start of the baseball season. Faraday was kind of at his worst in this episode, at least in his suspicions. But he can get like that. So I wasn't disappointed. I was a little disappointed in Blackie because Faraday followed them into the vacant ballpark in the middle of the night and it basically meant that Faraday had been tailing Boston Blackie and Blackie didn't know it. Now, talk about a bit of embarrassment there. Now on to listener comments and feedback and Aaron writes. Hi Adam, I wanted to write in and say hello to you and the Great Detectives community. I started listening during the Let George do it days. I remember hearing the very first episode of that show and I really appreciate your continued work on this podcast. I'm glad you provide the option to support the show through Patreon, and thank you for the great bonus features you offer to subscribers on the current crop of shows. My favorites are Boston Blackie and, dare I admit it, Inspector Thorne. Thanks for getting me through my commute every day. Best regards, Aaron in New York. Well, thanks so much, Aaron, and I'm glad you enjoy Inspector Thorn and there have been quite a few listeners who have enjoyed it and quite a few who didn't quite care for it. And I'm gratified by those who did enjoy it because it makes a little bit of flack worth it. It's just part of trying to keep a good balance of shows and play so many programs that I found enjoyable, though in very different ways. So thanks so much for your comments and she's been a very long time Patreon supporter, so that's definitely appreciated. All right. Oh, we have one more question, this one from Facebook. Leo writes on Facebook Any chance of running Sam Spade? A very good chance. It's on our list of programs that we do intend on doing one of these days over at biglist.greatdetectives.net we're still a few years away from it, but it is definitely on my list as a program to do. It's one of the best of the detective programs, so we certainly do want to get to it in the course of time. Thanks so much for the question, Leo, and join us back here tomorrow for yours truly Johnny Dollar. Next Thursday, another episode of Boston Blackie. In the meantime, you can check out our growing YouTube archive at YouTube.greatdetectives.net and become one of our friends on Facebook, facebook.com Radiodetectives and follow us on Twitter radiodetectives. From Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.

[Boston Blackie]

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