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The Saint: Baseball Murder (Encore) (EP4711) - The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio| Daily Mystery Dramas | Wave AI Podcast Notes

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The Saint: Baseball Murder (Encore) (EP4711)

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio| Daily Mystery Dramas

Fri May 23 2025

The father of a hot pitching prospect calls The Saint in to protect his son from gamblers. Original Air Date: September 3, 1950 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Vincent Price as Simon Templar Support the show monthly at...

Summary

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio: Episode Summary

Episode: The Saint: Baseball Murder (Encore)

Release Date: May 23, 2025

Host: Adam Graham

Featuring: Vincent Price as The Saint

Introduction

In this gripping episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, host Adam Graham presents an encore of The Saint: Baseball Murder. Featuring the legendary Vincent Price in the titular role, this installment dives deep into the dark underbelly of baseball, corruption, and familial strife. Set against the backdrop of a minor league team, the story intertwines the love for the game with a suspenseful murder mystery that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats.

Plot Overview

The episode unfolds in a small town where the local minor league baseball team, the Blue Sox, is grappling with rumors of fixed games. The narrative centers around Lefty Miller, a seasoned pitcher struggling with injuries and the pressure of living up to his legacy. His son, Phil Miller, an emerging talent, becomes entangled in a web of deceit orchestrated by the enigmatic Diane Courtney.

Key Plot Points:

Introduction to the Conflict:
- Louie Templer expresses his skepticism about the integrity of baseball, dismissing rumors of game-fixing as baseless. However, his concerns hint at underlying issues within the team.
The Saint's Involvement:
- The Saint teams up with Louie to investigate the suspicious activities surrounding the Blue Sox. Their quest leads them to the Regent Hotel, where Diane Courtney is revealed to have ulterior motives affecting Phil's performance.
Uncovering the Truth:
- The investigation uncovers that Diane Courtney, leveraging her influence over Phil, is forcing him to throw games. The plot thickens with the murder of Lefty Miller, initially ruled as a suicide but later suspected to be foul play orchestrated by the mysterious fixer.
Climactic Confrontation:
- In a tense showdown, The Saint confronts Diane, unveiling her true identity as the fixer. A struggle ensues, leading to Diane's downfall and the restoration of integrity to the Blue Sox.
Resolution:
- Phil pitches a winning game, honoring his father's legacy, while The Saint ensures that justice is served, dismantling the corruption that threatened the spirit of the game.

Character Analysis

The Saint (Vincent Price):
As the quintessential modern-day Robin Hood of crime, The Saint employs intellect and charisma to navigate and dismantle the schemes threatening the Blue Sox. Vincent Price's portrayal adds a layer of sophistication and menace, making The Saint both approachable and formidable.
Louie Templer:
A seasoned baseball aficionado, Louie partners with The Saint to uncover the truth behind the game's corruption. His firsthand experience with the sport provides valuable insights that aid the investigation.
Diane Courtney:
Initially presented as a devoted fan, Diane's character arc reveals her as the mastermind behind the manipulation of Phil Miller. Her duality adds complexity to the narrative, embodying both vulnerability and deceit.
Phil Miller:
Caught between his father's legacy and Diane's coercion, Phil's internal conflict highlights the personal costs of corruption in sports.

Key Scenes and Quotes

The Saint and Louie Discussing Suspicion:
[02:50]
Vincent Price: "The crowd with the dirty money's after him."
The Saint articulates his doubt about the official suicide ruling, hinting at deeper conspiracies.
Diane Courtney's Revelation:
[25:02]
Vincent Price: "The Fixer is a very beautiful woman, Diane."
A pivotal moment where The Saint exposes Diane's true role, shifting the narrative from suspicion to confrontation.
Confrontation at the Regent Hotel:
[23:24]
Vincent Price: "Phil, I pitched a three hit shutout. I figured it was the least I could do for Lefty."
Phil asserts his innocence and commitment to his father, reinforcing themes of legacy and redemption.
The Saint's Determination:
[25:14]
Vincent Price: "I'm turning you over to the police."
Demonstrates The Saint's unwavering pursuit of justice, regardless of personal risks.

Themes and Insights

Corruption in Sports:
The episode delves into the moral decay that can infiltrate even beloved institutions like baseball, highlighting how greed and external pressures can taint the spirit of the game.
Legacy and Familial Bonds:
The strained relationship between Lefty and Phil Miller underscores the impact of legacy on personal identity, showcasing the struggle to uphold familial expectations.
Deception and Facade:
Diane Courtney embodies the theme of hidden motives, portraying how appearances can be deceiving and how trust can be manipulated for personal gain.
Justice and Integrity:
The Saint's relentless pursuit of the truth emphasizes the importance of integrity in the face of systemic corruption, advocating for moral fortitude.

Conclusion

The Saint: Baseball Murder (Encore) masterfully blends the nostalgic charm of old-time radio detective dramas with a compelling narrative filled with suspense, emotional depth, and ethical dilemmas. Vincent Price's stellar performance as The Saint elevates the story, ensuring that listeners are both entertained and engaged. Through its intricate plot and rich character dynamics, the episode offers a timeless exploration of corruption, legacy, and the unwavering quest for justice.

Listeners new to The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio will find this episode a captivating entry point, while longtime fans will appreciate the intricate storytelling and classic radio drama elements that make The Saint a standout series.

Notable Quotes with Attribution

The Saint on Corruption:
[02:50]
"The crowd with the dirty money's after him."
Revelation of the Fixer:
[25:02]
"The Fixer is a very beautiful woman, Diane."
The Saint's Pursuit of Justice:
[25:14]
"I'm turning you over to the police."
Phil's Dedication to His Father:
[23:24]
"Phil, I pitched a three hit shutout. I figured it was the least I could do for Lefty."

These quotes encapsulate the episode's central conflicts and character motivations, providing poignant insights into the narrative's progression.

Final Thoughts

Adam Graham's adept hosting, combined with the stellar performance of Vincent Price, delivers an episode that not only entertains but also provokes thoughtful reflection on timeless issues. The Saint: Baseball Murder (Encore) stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of old-time radio dramas and their ability to weave complex stories that resonate across generations.

For those seeking a blend of mystery, drama, and classic radio charm, this episode is a must-listen. Subscribe to The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio on your preferred podcast platform or visit greatdetectives.net to immerse yourself in a world where every week brings a new detective adventure from the Golden Age of Radio.

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Transcript

Adam Graham (0:01)

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Vincent Price (0:34)

Dippable chicken in McDonald's history.

Adam Graham (0:36)

Dip it in all the sauces. Dip it in that hot sauce in your bag. Dip it in your McFlurry. Your dip is your business. Mc Crispy strips at McDonald's. 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 website. 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. Box13reatdetectives.net Follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and become one of our friends on Facebook, facebook.com radiodetactives well, before we do get started, I do want to let you know this program is brought to you by the financial support of our listeners and I particularly want to thank Steven, Sharon and Susan so much for their support. We'll send along access to the premium site as we do with all donations of $7 or more. You can support the show at support.greatdetectives.net through PayPal and there's also a mailing address at that site. We're going to go ahead now and get started with today's episode of the Saint. The original air date September 3rd of 1950 and the title is the Baseball.

Vincent Price (2:50)

Murder the Adventures of the Saint starring Vincent Price. The Saint. Based on characters created by Leslie Charteris and known to millions from books, magazines and motion pictures, the Robin Hood of modern crime now comes transcribed to radio starring Hollywood's brilliant and talented actor Vincent Price as the Saint. Going to the ball game. I miss the Temple. It's a great day for it. Know you was fond of baseball. You fond of baseball, Mr. Templet? Yes, indeed, Louis. No, I should have gone in for baseball instead of becoming a cat jockey. Grown men getting paid thousands of dollars for tossing a little ball around two hours a day. Can you beat it? Can you, Mr. Templar? I'm asking you, can you beat it? Louie, I raced for you. Can't beat it now. I'd like to live in a town where they got major league ball. The blue socks here is all right, but it's minor league. You think we're going to get a big league ball in this town, Mr. Templin? I see. You think we'll ever get big league ball, Mr. Templar? You're kind of quiet today, Mr. Templar. My silence, friend Louis, is purely comparative. Oh, well, since you're not feeling well, it's good you take in the afternoon, though. Didn't read about the father selling the blue Sucks. Left your pillows. They're rather interesting. Supposedly the first time in baseball father and son have played on the same team. Yeah? Yeah. The old man just down from the majors, and the kid on his way up. Old Lefty was great in his day, though. And the kid will be great, too. They both playing today, Louie? Neither one. Phil ain't doing fix till tomorrow. And the old man's got a game leg. Won't even be a uniform. That's what goes first in baseball, Mr. Temple. And the legs in my line of work. I know, I know, Mr. Temple. You know something funny? There's rumors out about the Blue Sox. What kind of rumor is, Louis? The rumors say the Sox are going to do business. Lose a ball game, that maybe they should win. Oh, nonsense, Louie. Baseball is honest. You know that. Maybe so, but it's still got to be played by humans. You better step on it, my cynical friend. We're late. Sure, Mr. Templer. Most likely nothing to the rumors anyway. You know how it is driving a cab. You pick up all sorts of things. Me? It don't do no good to pick nothing up. I'm married. Hey, did you hear that, Mr. Templer? I said me. It don't do no good to pick nothing up. I heard, Louie. I heard. Pretty funny, huh, Louie? Take me out to the ball game. Hello, Lefty. Thanks for coming, Saint. Sit down. Sit down. Hey, I hope I'm not late. No. The game won't start for another 10 minutes, huh? How's the leg, Lester? That's improving, Saint. How's crime? It stays about the same always with us. Yeah, that it is. That it is. Blue Sox going to win today? You know something, Saint? I don't much care. Oh, don't get me wrong. I'm in there myself. I play to win. That's the only way I know. But after the Majors. You don't get very excited over the blue socks. I guess not. I'm just playing out the string. What comes after that? I don't know. A manager's job? Nah, no chance. I was too busy spending my money while the smart boys were learning the inside of the game. But I had fun, I guess. Did you? Nah. Saint, there's only one thing in baseball I care about. There's only one thing in the world I care about. He's sitting across the field from the dugout, welling number 33, my son. I hear Phil's a great picture, Lefty. He's good. He'll be great. He's going up next year. Maybe this. Here. Take a look at him through the binoculars. Yes, he looks like you left him. You really think so? Yeah. Saint, I'm worried sick about him. That's why I asked you. I know. That's why I'm here. What are you worried about?

Vincent Price (12:04)

What good are beating him up to the boss's orders? Besides, my analyst tells me beating up nosy guys I don't like is a good way of working out my aggression. Your analyst? What's the matter? I can't get analyzed? What does your analyst say about you carrying a gun? Didn't he point out this is an artificial prop to your otherwise charming person? Now that. Oh, you cre. My analyst says I should get insulted at remarks by neurotics. You think I'm a neurotic? You ain't no jack. You will be when I finish. Don't fall down yet, S. I got four for you before I let go. How do you work? Okay. Darn it. I shouldn't have got mad. My Alice says I shouldn't let my emotions color my business life. Mr. Temple? Mr. Temple. Oh. Oh, Lordy. Mr. Temple, you all right? Should I call doctor? I'm all right, I guess. What happened, Mr. Templar? I knocked on the door just like you said. When nobody answered, I'd come in. You was on the floor. You're still on the floor, man. I think I'll stay here. Oh. Got myself worked over, Lily. By a psychoanalytical muscle. Boy. Oh, he sure gave you some beautiful lumps. Yeah. Real neat. Professional job. What's this business card in your chest, George? No. Let's see. Frankie must have put it there. This is part of the warning, I guess. What's it say? It says the. The fixer. I fix anything. Huh? He ain't what you'd call modest, is he? No, but fixers rarely are. Look, I think we better have a doctor spray you with some liqueur. Chrome. No, Louie, I'm gonna be too busy. Doing what? Sleep. Hello, Shane? This is Lefty Miller. Oh, hello, Lefty. What time is it? Midnight. You sleep. I went to bed early tonight. Had a rather trying evening. Look, I've been finding out things. Things about the crowd with the dirty money. Who the head of it is. You mean who the fixer is. Yeah. I found out what they're trying to get from the kid. From Phil. Can you meet me here at the hotel? Half an hour. Good. In the bar. I'm going after some more dope now. You better wait until I get there, Lefty. They're rough boys. I know, but don't worry about me. See you in half an hour. Waiter, Another Johnny Walker over ice, please. Yes. Thanks, Brooke. You're Simon Temple, aren't you? The one they call the Saint. Sit down, Phil. I'm not sitting down. Got some things to tell you. I've heard that you've been asking questions about me. And I can guess who sent you. It was my father. Look, isn't it kind of late for you, Phil? You're supposed to pitch tomorrow. I don't need anybody to run my life for me. You or my father, either. Where is he? Well, I was to meet him here, but he hasn't shown up yet. Most likely up in his room. All right, come on, let's go up and see him. I want to straighten you both out together. Know what room he's in? Sure. 908. Right with you, Phil. All right. A waiter? Yes. Hold that drink for me. I'll be back for it sooner or later. Hey, dad, open up. I want to talk to you. Doesn't look like your father is in. Try the door. Open. But there's no. Dad, look. I told you not to look. He shot himself. Why? Why? Dead fell. And there's a gun in his hand, but he didn't pull the trigger. What are you trying to prove? Welcome, Mr. Templar. The regent Hotel. L. Good morning. Good morning. Say, I read in the papers this morning about Lefty Miller. Oh, it's tough. Why do you think he did it, Mr. Temple? He didn't. The police can buy the suicide theory for the time being. But it was murdered, Louie. A friend of mine was murdered last night and today. Things are going to be done about it. What are you going to do with the region? I'm going back to the young lady's room where I had such an interesting time last evening. This time I better go with you. Yeah, perhaps you'd better, Louie. And I'm hiring you for the whole afternoon. We've got a lot of ground to cover. Lefty was a great ball player, Mr. Templer. Seen him in The World Series once at Yankee Stadium. Hard to believe he's dead. A man can be killed in a lot of ways, Louie. He can be killed fast or he can be killed through what happens to his son. I'm glad at least that didn't happen to left. You sure nobody is in? Called on the house phone before we came up. I think this key will fit. How did you get a key? Remember to make an impression of the lock after that beating Rapine. There. We're in. Nobody here. Or shut the door and lock it. Okay. What are you looking for, Mr. Templer? The truth, Louie. As my friend Philip Marlow would say, crime detection is an adventure in search of the hidden truth. Going to find the hidden truth. Looking out that window on the fire escape. Perhaps Lily. Perhaps. Mr. Templer, somebody's at the door. I'll handle this. If I need help, you need help. We're in trouble. Good morning, Ms. Courtney. Hey, what are you doing? Come in. Diane, Ms. Courtney, my good friend Louie. Oh, chum. You want I should leave, Mr. Temple? No. We'll both be leaving in a minute, Louis. Just as soon as we ask Ms. Courtney some questions she probably won't answer.

Vincent Price (18:40)

Look, I don't care how frightened you are. A man's been killed. Why? I can't. I'm afraid. Lady's afraid. Come on, Louie. Let's go back to the ballpark and see if we can throw a few curds. Mr. Bush, as manager of the Blue Sox, you must have known Lefty Miller fairly well. Not well, no. I manage the team. But you don't manage an old pro like Lefty. You just tell him what time the game is and he does the rest. Yes, from what I saw of him. No, he. He was a good guy. I'm sorry. How's still taking it? It's hard to tell about kids. He and Lefty weren't close. Well, maybe you knew that. Yes, I knew that. But it's hard to tell just how he was taking it tonight. Could have turned a pitch. And I told him, of course I'd start somebody else. But no, he's going to pitch tonight. Insisted on it. Said he had it. Your pitch. Do you think he's sure? Well, he's the best we got. And I might get a phone call tomorrow telling me he sold to the major leagues. Anytime he wants to pitch, he'll pitch. Mr. Boris, have you heard any rumors about a six on your ball club? Mr. Templar, there's always rumors around any kind of sport. I've never been in a phony ball game. As far as I know, I've never seen one, so I don't listen to rumors. Thanks, Mr. Bush. And good luck tonight to you and Phil Bowman. Where to now, Mr. Templer? I want to go see a bookmaker, Louie. Sam the spender. Do you know him? Sure, I know him. Biggest bookie in town. Place down in State Street. Only a block or two down the street. Got something good at Hollywood Park? No, Louie. You want something good? Thanks, but no. This is different. I did a favor for Sam once. He might be able to return it. Sam retains anything but money. One time I had a three horse parley going against him. Place to come in. The t is leading into the city. Really? Isn't this the place? Oh, yeah. You're sure? Wait for me here, Lou. It won't be long. Sure, Mr. Templer. Hello, Sam. How's business? Simon Templer. Glad to see you. What can I do for you? Information, Sam. We shall go no further. Thanks, Simon. Temper. We in business today. Do you handle any baseball money, Sam? N N the east is big business. All bet on the major leagues.

Vincent Price (26:05)

Stand back, kid. I ain't playing with this thing. He's going to. You kill my body. Give me that Rift. No, you won't drink E. Think what your anim will say. And this makes us even. So how. How bad is it? No, not bad. Just my arm, but not my pitching arm. God. Why you try and stand still? Better go for the police. Phil, can you make it? Yeah. Yeah, I can make it. And Phil, thanks. What you did makes up for the game. We'll figure out that later about dad. Saint. He did all he could to protect you, Phil. Yeah. He did like me then. More than anything else. He told Me? You better leave. I want you out of here before that bookie shows up to pay off Mr. Templer. He won't be showing up. I didn't lose the game tonight. Tell me more, Phil. I pitched a three hit shutout. I figured it was the least I could do for Lefty. The kid's gonna be all right, Mr. Temple. They will be all right. Definitely. You know, I can't blame him for getting tangled up with that Diane. Now there is real apes in the wood stump. She won't be quite as attractive when she gets out, Louie. 20 years does something to a woman. Should have seen what it done to my wife if she was no prize to begin with. What do you think was wrong with Diane, Mr. Temple? An emotionally insecure childhood. You've been talking to Frankie. I think Diane felt an urge to corrupt Mary. To feel power, revenge perhaps for something hidden in her plastic. Might have been her childhood. Might have been society. So now society exacts further toll. 20 years. I feel like a drink, Louie. Let's do Mr. Templar back to the Regent. I've got a scotch waiting for me at the. You have been listening to another transcribed Adventure of the Saint, the Robin Hood of modern crime. And now here is our star, Vincent Price. Ladies and gentlemen, the most priceless gift which a community can give its children is a fine education here in America. Your parents have been able to take that education pretty well for granted. But that won't be true of the future unless we plan now to cope with the educational problems of the future. There are going to be lots of them. We know that for sure because of the increased birth rate during and since the war. An extra 7 million children are going to be enrolling in our public schools. And the way things stand, our schools just aren't ready to handle them. The problem varies from district to district, but it's always a problem of shortages. In some localities there aren't enough classrooms, and in others not enough books and equipment. And overall, we're suffering from a shortage of teachers. In order to meet the challenge and make sure that our youngsters will get the education they deserve, we'll have to lay down an educational blueprint for the years ahead. Our local school boards are doing that right now, but they can't do it alone. They need everyone's efforts to build a stronger educational system. If you wish to help, simply contact your local school board. And for further information, write to the National Citizen Commission for the Public Schools, New York. New York. That's the National Citizens Commission for the Public Schools, New York. New York. Good citizens everywhere are helping, but they know that better schools make better communities. This is Vincent Price inviting you to join us again next week at this same time for another exciting adventure of the Saints. Good night. Tonight's script of the Saints was written by Dick Powell. Our cast tonight included Gloria Blondell, Jack Boyle, Hal Marks, Ed Max, Bob Clark, and Larry Doctor. The music was composed and conducted by Von Dexter. The Saint, based on characters created by Leslie Charteris, is a James Earl Sat Here production and is directed by Helen Man. Vincent Price is soon to be seen co starring in RKO's production of his Kind of Woman. All you think fans will be glad to know that the Saint comic books are on sale at all newsstands. Your announcer, Val Brown three times mean good times on NBC. There's fine entertainment on Theater Guild on the air. Returning next Sunday on NBC. This weekend, 400Americans have a holiday date with death. Stay off the list. Be careful. Next Sam Spade. Then hear Katherine Grayson on NBC.