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Beltin' Ray Bremer

by Michael N. Field

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Cast of Characters (Order of Appearance)

Ray Bremer: Ray Bremer is the son of George and Maddie Bremer. He is, like his parents, loyal, humble and honest, but he is much more Americanized than his parents, and eager to succeed in baseball and enjoy the fame and financial benefits athletic success can bring him, along with the benefits of being an assimilated, spectacularly upwardly mobile American.

Coach Bowen: Harold "Hal" Bowen is the coach of the Princeton University baseball team. He has the looks and confident, exuberant manner of a sportsman of the 1920s.

The Babe: The Babe needs no introduction. He is a figure gargantuan in every way, as a sports celebrity and as a person. He is imposing physically, prodigious in his baseball feats, giant in his ego and appetites, yet possessed himself of a simple humility and of a sense of decency both of which are as much larger than life as his more flamboyant traits. For all of this, he remains the common man, without intellectual pretension and ruled by his heart and his emotion. His expression, in this work, possesses an evocative pungency and a surprising exactitude not found in most fictional extrapolations of his character.

Dr. Willpeg: Dr. Willpeg in an old German doctor who practices as a neighborhood physician for the German immigrant families in the New York neighborhood where the Bremer family lives. He is proud of and hopeful for young Ray Bremer. He holds hopes that Bremer can bring recognition to the German-American community, and show others, in the wake of World War I, that Germans are good Americans.

Selma Rothbury Bremer: Selma is the daughter of a wealthy man and the wife of Ray Bremer. She is bright, attractive and an enormously enthusiastic supporter of her husband.

Arthur Rothbury: Selma Rothbury Bremer's father. He is a pleasant, approving middle-aged man of American aristocratic manner, a democratic aristocrat, that is to say.

Students, Field Announcer, Clubhouse Man

Scene 1

SETTING:

The play begins in the consulting room of a doctor's office in a New York neighborhood. The office is typical of the era of the 1920s, not even slightly sumptuous or well decorated. In the back of the room toward the left side is a large window, on which is lettered, from right to left as seen from inside the office:

Otto V. Willpeg, M.D.

General Medicine

German Spoken

Outside the window, elevated tracks are visible, with other multistory buildings in the back ground.

Within the office, there is a desk, some cabinets, a gurney, and a counter top covered with some of the paraphernalia of medical practice -- a bag, papers, trays of tools and some lab equipment. On the right of the counter, which abuts against the right wall, is a lit bunsen burner.

AT RISE:

On the gurney, which stands on the floor in front of the counter, a young man, RAY BREMER, sits, ready for an examination. He is about 18 years old, and athletically built with blond or light brown hair and a carefree countenance.

As Ray waits, the doctor, DR. WILLPEG, fusses around, checking his papers and equipment, finally stopping to trim the flame of the bunsen burner. Clipboard in hand, he approached Ray.

WILLPEG:

Let us see. We have a young man, just eighteen years old, coming in for his sports physical. Ray,I know your health very well. I will just fill out this form here and send it in. I want to talk to you about other things. So tell me. What do you intend to study at Princeton?

RAY:

Commerce. Then I'll probably play professional baseball.

WILLPEG:

We need a young man like you in the sports system. After the unfortunate experience of this war with the Kaiser, we need someone to give us Germans in America a good name again. You might be the one who does it.

RAY:

I'm a good American.

WILLPEG:

As you should be.

RAY:

I'll help if I can. In America everyone should have a chance to be an American first. No matter who they are.

WILLPEG:

I agree with you, young man. Now let us go on to baseball. I know a lot about this game of baseball, more than you think. I consider it very charming. Like billiards with people.

RAY: (laughing)

My ears are wide open, doctor.

WILLPEG:

I know much more Ray, much more than you think. A lot of boys hit four hundred in high school and get some long home runs, but they never play major league baseball. I will tell you Ray. If there is a boy who deserves to become be a star in baseball, that boy is you.

RAY:

Thank you doctor.

WILLPEG:

Come see me when you are a done with college, Ray, and ready to play professional baseball. I will have some help for you, if you want it.

RAY:

What kind of help?

(Willpeg holds up a vial of liquid.)

WILLPEG:

It's new from Germany. I got it just for you.

RAY:

I don't know if I should try it. I'm only eighteen years old.

WILLPEG:

No, it is too soon. Come and see me every now and then as you are going through college. When the time comes, I will do everything I can to make you the best ballplayer there is. And the best young man.

RAY:

Yes. Thank you.

WILLPEG:

You are old enough now to have your own secrets. Even from your parents. No?

RAY:

What secret do I need to know?

WILLPEG:

What I have told you about today, the new injection from Germany. You will tell no one about it, not even your parents. It will be for you to decide when the time comes.

RAY:

I won't speak of it to anyone, doctor.

WILLPEG:

Your exam is over. I will mail your medical papers to your coach.

RAY:

Thank you, doctor

(Ray puts on his shirt. He walks out of the office, leaving Willpeg behind. Willpeg shakes his fists.)

WILLPEG

He will be the greatest American ballplayer there ever is. I will make sure of it. I will make absolutely sure. No matter what it takes, I will make absolutely sure.

(End of Scene 1)

Scene 2

AT RISE: A large number of people are gathered in a meeting room.

On stage, COACH BOWEN and a group of YOUNG MEN, all dressed in identical collegiate outfits of the 1920s, wait.

YOUNG MEN:

(chanting) Ray, Ray, Ray. Ray, Ray, Ray.

(From the floor of the room, Ray Bremer comes to the stage, smiling embarrassedly.

Coach Bowen takes center stages as master of ceremonies.)

BOWEN:

Young men. Young men.

MEN:

Hip, hip hooray. Hip, hip hooray. Hip, hip hooray for Ray Bremer.

BOWEN:

Ladies and gentlemen, friends, visitors, We're going to present our Princeton Tigers baseball team Senior of the Year award to our captain and greatest player ever, Ray Bremer. Ladies and gentlemen, I want to announce that our award this year will be presented by a man who needs no introduction, the great Bambino of the New York Clippers, the one and only Babe.

(From the rear of the stage, as if entering through a tunnel, a large man comes striding forward, accompanied by several other men, all wearing suits.)

BOWEN: (continuing)

Ladies and gentlemen, here at our Princeton University, the Babe.

(Much applause. The Babe waits, clears his throat and speaks.)

BABE:

I want to thank you for inviting me to come from New York to your great Princeton University to present your Senior of the Year award to your All-American first baseman Ray Bremer. Ray, step forward now to receive your award.

(Ray, amid applause, steps up to the podium.)

BABE: (continuing)

As I present this award to you, let me say that I hope and believe that you will go on to a great career in professional baseball. (cheers) Here's your trophy Ray. I hope you will treasure this momento of your college days above any other you receive in your lifetime. (cheers) Ray, let me tell you, after hearing so much about you and seeing you play from time to time, I would like nothing more in this world right now than to have you as a teammate on the New York Clippers for the remaining years of my career.

(cheers, as the Babe gives Ray his trophy.)

RAY:

Thank you Babe, and coach Bowen.

BABE:

Ray, Col. Ashport, the owner of the New York Clippers has authorized me to offer you a contract to play professional baseball with the New York Clippers. Along with this contract, he has sent this $5,000 check for you. (Much commotion, until the Babe gestures for quiet.) Col. Ashport has told me, Ray, that you will have the opportunity to prove yourself with the Clippers, and he gives his solemn promise that if you become the successful player all believe you will be, you will never play professional baseball for any team except the New York Clippers.

YOUNG MEN:

Hip, hip hooray. Hip, hip hooray. Hip, hip for Ray Bremer.

RAY:

(embarassedly) Thanks, folks. I don't deserve all this attention.

BABE:

Ray, I'd like to ask you at this time for the formality of your signature on this contract, if, of course, you wish to join the New York Clippers. (Some laughter in the hall.)

(Ray looks out at the audience, as if waiting for a sign from someone in the hall.

Ray takes the contract. He looks at it. The Babe points to where he is to sign.)

BABE: (continuing)

Right there, Ray.

(Ray takes a pen which the Babe offers.)

RAY:

(as he writes his name) Raymond Johannes Bremer.

(The Babe motions to one of the men who has accompanied his. He steps forward with a package he has been holding, and hands it to the Babe. The Babe takes a baseball uniform out of the package, bearing the number "4" and the name "Bremer", unfurls it, and holds it up.)

BABE:

Congratulations, Ray. Now you are a professional baseball player. So let me express my belief that you will be a great credit to the New York Clippers family and to the great game of baseball. May your career in this game be long and honorable.

MEN:

Hip, hip hooray. Hip, hip hooray. Hip, hip for Ray Bremer.

(The Babe nudges Ray.)

RAY:

Thank you everyone. Thank you. I'm so happy. I'm so happy for my mom and dad. I'm happy for myself. And I'm happy for everyone who has helped me in my life. I was so afraid of letting them down. Thank you everyone.

(He holds up his award.)

The young men again chant over and over "Ray. Ray. Ray.

(End of Scene 2)

Scene 3

RAY is seated on the gurney in Dr. WILLPEG'S office. In appearance he now looks bigger and stronger than before. The scene, otherwise is exactly as before, with same bunsen burner lit in its place near the wall. Again, Dr. Willpeg holds his clipboard.

RAY:

Well, how am I doing Doctor?

WILLPEG:

Everything about you is excellent, young man. Everything. Tell me, how soon can I see you batting for the Clippers? I go to the baseball game regularly, you know.

RAY:

I don't know. Even in the minor leagues, it's much tougher. Every player was best player in his school or in his town. I really have my hands full against this competition. But the Clippers say they will bring me up in September to test myself against the major league players.

WILLPEG:

I'm sure you will do very well. Now it is time to get down to business. Today you are fully a man, Ray. And ready to make your own man's decisions.

RAY:

Are you talking about that stuff from Germany again, Doctor Willpeg?

(Willpeg reaches into a drawer.)

WILLPEG

Yes. Here it is. The same vial I showed you four years ago. Ready for you, with your name on it. (He chortles)

RAY:

I still don't know doc, uh doctor.

WILLPEG:

You can call me doc, as the Americans do. You're more American every time I see you, the longer you are away from our old neighborhood here.

RAY:

This stuff you want to give me, what does it really do?

WILLPEG:

It just makes you do your best every day. And it makes your best better. Those days when you feel not so well, everybody has them, you will not have them anymore. Every day, you will be golden Ray, the golden boy of a golden age such as we live in today. I promise you. You will be the greatest of our age in American sports.

RAY:

Some people have told me I will be the greatest anyway.

WILLPEG:

As you say yourself, the competition is stern. We must be sure you will become the best. What do you say?

RAY:

I'm not sure. I'm afraid it will hurt me.

WILLPEG:

It just makes you do your best every day. And it makes your best better. Those days when you feel down, everybody has them, you will not have them anymore. Every day, you will be golden, Ray, the golden boy of a golden age such as we live in today. I promise you. You will be the greatest of our age in American sports.

RAY:

All right. I'll try it, if it doesn't make me act like I'm taking something.

WILLPEG:

No, you will act just fine. Exactly the same. Ray Bremer, stand up. (Ray stands up) Turn around. (He turns around) Now drop your shorts for a moment. (Ray lowers his shorts. Deftly, Willpeg prepares the syringe and jabs it into Ray's backsides.)

(End of Scene 3)

Scene 4

AT RISE: Ray Bremer and a woman, Selma Rothbury, his fiancé are alone in an sitting room of a large house on Long Island. These are clearly refined surroundings, with elegant furniture and decorations. The atmosphere is one of light, with greenery visible through several large windows and through a double door leading to a patio outside.

Ray, himself, it is clear, is much more of a mature man than in previous scenes. At rise, he looks around the room with giddy amazement on his face.

SELMA:

Come over here Ray. (She leads him to the window by the hand.) Ray, take a look at what you can see from here. Over there, you can see the water of the sound if you just look real hard. If you look over there really carefully, you can see the Chrysler building and all those other buildings. And from the top of that hill outside there, you can see the Clipper's stadium. I could climb up there and watch you play baseball, couldn't I?

RAY:

I'm not so sure you can see inside.

SELMA:

My daddy has a box seats along the first base line. I saw you play before we even met. That's when I fell in love with you. I saw you hit a home run.

RAY:

(peering into the distance) You're right, Selma. I can see the Chrysler building. I think I can even see New Jersey.

SELMA:

At night it all lights up. You can see the Queens and Brooklyn down there below. And New York. And Staten Island. And even New Jersey.

RAY:

Selma, I've been thinking about myself and what kind of man I want to be. I love the Babe, Selma. He's a sinner and a saint all in one. But I don't want to be like him. He's with a different girl every night. I want to be with one girl every night for the rest of my life. That's how my mom and dad did it. And I want to be like them. Were your mom and dad like that, being rich as they were.

SELMA:

Yes they were, Ray.

(He leads Selma to the center of the room.)

RAY:

Then you're my kind of girl, Selma. (He takes a small case out of his pocket.) Selma, will you marry me?

SELMA:

Yes, Ray. I'll marry you.

(He slips the ring on her finger and they kiss a long kiss. There is a knock on the door.)

SELMA:

That's probably my daddy.

(She opens the door. Selma's father, Arthur Rothbury, enters the room.)

ROTHBURY:

How's my precious daughter doing?

SELMA:

I'm just fine.

ROTHBURY:

Hello Ray.

RAY:

Hello sir.

ROTHBURY:

How are the pride of the Rothburys and the Pride of the Clippers getting along?

SELMA:

He asked me to marry him daddy. And I said 'yes'.

ROTHBURY:

Wonderful. Wonderful. There's no family in America that wouldn't want Ray Bremer as their son in law. Congratulations, Ray, and welcome to the Rothbury family.

RAY:

Thank you sir. I'll do my best to live up to the Rothburys.

ROTHBURY

You're the model young man of a generation. It's you we have to live up to.

SELMA:

He's embarrassed daddy because he grew up in the neighborhood, in an apartment on a second floor with wooden back porches and an alley behind. I think he's the most gracious young man I have ever known and the smartest too.

ROTHBURY:

I think he was richer than we are. You two excuse me. I have to tell Mrs. Rothbury the good news.

(He exits.)

SELMA:

(She puts her arms around him) Ray darling, when you go to the ballpark tomorrow, hit a home run for us darling. I love you so.

RAY:

I love you so too. Someday we'll be old together Selma. We'll be able to go to Manhattan with our grandchildren.

SELMA:

Someday we'll being be sitting in a restaurant and we'll hear somebody we don't know say to his son, "See that handsome man over in the corner. That's Ray Bremer, he played first base for the Clippers and batted fourth right behind the Babe.

RAY:

They'll say, "Look at that woman. See how smart she looks. She's the daughter of the famous Rothburys."

SELMA:

Let's live each day like it was precious, for it truly is, and may we have thousands of them together, at least.

(They walk toward the double which they swing open ahead of them. They kiss in the doorway.)

(End of Scene 4)

Scene 5

Ray in the office of Dr. Willpeg, now showing the look of a much more mature man.

He is sitting on the edge of an examination table, wearing only shorts. Willpeg is standing beside him.

RAY:

How am I, doc?

WILLPEG:

You are just fine of course. You are doing so well in this game of baseball.

RAY:

I'm pushing the Babe. I'm ahead of him in RBIs.

WILLPEG:

Very good. Say, let me ask. Are those shots helping you, do you think, playing a major league schedule?

RAY:

I guess so. I don't seem to ever get tired. And if I get a little hurt, I get over it very fast. I haven't missed a game in five years.

WILLPEG:

Yes I know, Ray. I follow your career very closely. It looks like everything is going so well. How do you like being a married man?

RAY:

It's great. I never liked chasing after a lot of girls like the Babe does. Marriage is right for me.

WILLPEG:

And such a girl too. I'm so happy for you. And your mom and dad? I never see them anymore. How are they doing?

RAY:

I bought them their own house. They're very happy. They know they will never want anything.

WILLPEG:

Are you ready?

RAY:

I'm so used to being poked by doctors, I don't even think about it anymore.

(He stands up and lowers his shorts and Willpeg prepares the injection.)

RAY (continuing):

Go ahead doc.

(Willpeg gives Ray a shot.)

WILLPEG:

There. Your shot is done.

(Ray pulls his shorts up. He jumps into his pants and puts his shirt on. Then he begins to tie his shoes. He looks at the doctor.)

WILLPEG:

Yes.

RAY:

Doc. I think I'm going to stop these. This is going to be the last one.

WILLPEG:

As you wish, Ray. But I only want the best for you. If you need help come back to me.

RAY:

I think I'll be okay. I know my own talent.

(Ray leaves the office.)

WILLPEG:

If he thinks so. Even talent is not enough in this world. Not enough for the greatness he dreams of. Well, he will be back. Second best or third best is not good enough for him. He must be number one. Just wait and see.

(End of Scene 5)

Scene 6

AT RISE: The time is night. The Babe stands alone in the clubhouse. He is dressed in street clothes, while behind him, his uniform, with the number 3 on the back, hangs in a locker.

Through a short tunnel on the left side of the stage, the ballfield is visible, illuminated by a few lonely lights. From the upper deck in the outfield, a lone light shines onto the field.

The dugout, itself, is dark, being lit by a couple of dim, clear overhead bulbs at each end.

The Babe lights a cigar, and reflectively takes a puff.

From a dark corner on the right and rear of the stage, a pair of figures emerges, Ray Bremer and Selma.

As they walk into the light, the become recognizable.

RAY:

Hi, Babe.

BABE:

Okay, considering. How are you? And the missus?

The Babe crushed out his cigar in perhaps deference to Selma's social standing.

SELMA:

We're okay. Of course Ray here is getting old. In a few years I'll have him all to myself. Right honey?

BABE:

I think he's about ten or twelve years left. He's just slowed down a little. Like we all do.

SELMA:

You'll just have learn how to hit more doubles and less home runs. And keep your average up.

The Babe chuckles.

BABE:

Cheer up. I think you're doing pretty good. Leland Brown said in the Herald you hit three nineteen over the last month. You got four dingers, and most important, you drove in twenty four runs. That's more than I did. You're still the best RBI man in the game.

SELMA:

I think you're having another outstanding year, honey.

RAY:

I'm not the same Ray Bremer. I don't feel right anymore.

BABE:

What are you now? Twenty eight years old?

RAY:

Yeah.

BABE:

Maybe you're slowing down. We all do. In three, maybe four years, I'll be out of the game. I know that.

RAY:

You had your best seasons when you were thirty-one, thirty-two, thirty-three, thirty-four years old. I don't want to be through when I'm thirty two.

BABE:

No man knows what the man upstairs has given him. Or woman, Ray. It's up to Him, not us.

RAY:

No, within our power. We can take it into our own hands.

The Babe takes Selma aside, then leads her out of the clubhouse toward the field

BABE:

I think his bat's just slowed down a little. I think he's doing the right thing. He's driving the ball and going with the pitch when he need to and hitting the ball back over the middle more. In my opinion, I think he's the luckiest man alive.

Selma blushes. Ray lags behind.

RAY:

They think this is luck, to be the second best? To be the man who gets the job done, yes? But not the man who leads? No, I think Dr. Willpeg is right. I must, I must live up to what I am expected to be. As long as I play this game, I must be the best. There is no other way.

(End of Scene 6)

Scene 7

AT RISE: RAY is seated on the gurney in Dr. WILLPEG'S office.

WILLPEG:

Well Ray. I knew you would be getting back to me.

RAY:

I am not a happy man, doctor.

WILLPEG:

Why not? You're batting over three fifty again. And you lead the league in runs batted in.

RAY:

That's what the Babe says too

WILLPEG:

What can you want as a baseball player?

RAY:

I want to be absolutely the best. I feel ashamed of myself, going with the outside pitch and hitting the ball back up the middle. I want to hit screaming home runs into the right field seats and hear tens of thousands cheer.

WILLPEG:

I think I know what you are getting to.

RAY:

Yes. I want to start the shots again.

WILLPEG:

I have been thinking this over since the last time we talked. Maybe it is not such a good idea. We don't know what happens if you take this drug for so long. Maybe you have taken it too long already.

RAY:

I'm only going to take it until I'm done with baseball.

WILLPEG:

How long has it been? Five years already? I think we have made our little point. The Germans in America are accepted again, and you have done your part. No one will be ashamed if you do not play baseball as well as you did when you were twenty five years old. It is a short career. By the time it starts it is getting close to over. No?

RAY:

I want to play another twelve years. I might even pass the Babe in home runs if I can.

WILLPEG:

If you want it I can give it you. But it is at your own risk, Ray. I cannot promise you, something won't happen if you go on so long. Do you understand that very clearly?

RAY:

Yes, doc. It is my choice.

WILLPEG:

If you choose it, you may have it. I don't know if I can get it forever, of course. It comes from Germany, you know. But if you wish.

RAY:

I wish.

(Willpeg takes a vial out of the drawer. He prepares a syringe as Ray again faces his back to the audience.)

(End of Scene 7)

Scene 8

AT RISE: ARTHUR ROTHBURY is reading in the sitting room of the Rothbury house. In appearance he is clearly much older than when he last appeared, as shown by his white hair. Outside, through the windows, it can be seen that it is late in the day.

After a short pause, SELMA enters the room.

SELMA:

Hello, daddy. How are you?

ROTHBURY:

Pretty good for an old man.

SELMA:

You're not an old man.

ROTHBURY:

Yes I am, Selma. Look at me. I spend my whole life in a chair reading. If that's not an old man, I don't know what is.

SELMA:

No. An old man dotters and walks all bent over like this. (She imitates the walk of an elderly man.)

ROTHBURY:

Let's not argue. You can think of me as a young man, and I'll think of myself as old man. By the way, how's your young man doing? I don't listen to the radio anymore.

SELMA:

He went oh for four again today. Daddy, I'm worried. I think there's something wrong with him.

ROTHBURY:

Oh, nonsense. He's just in a slump.

SELMA:

No daddy. This is serious. Ray's the best ballplayer there is. It can't just go all of a sudden, can it daddy?

ROTHBURY:

Now that I think of it, yes it can. Look what happened to the Babe.

SELMA:

It came on over some years for him. Four or five seasons, daddy. He didn't just suddenly fall out of the game the like a sick bird falls out the sky. Like Ray's doing.

ROTHBURY:

Each person is different. Some just lose it. There's no knowing in advance.

SELMA:

That's not what I'm trying to say, daddy. I'm trying to say, I think there's something wrong with him. Very wrong.

ROTHBURY:

I don't think so, honey. You know, he always said he would retire when he couldn't be the best anymore. You'll just have to get ready for it.

SELMA:

I hope you're right, daddy.

(RAY enters the room.)

RAY:

Hello, honey. Hello, sir. It's no use. I went for the collar again today.

SELMA:

It's just a little slump honey. You'll play till you're forty, just like the Babe did. I'm sure of it.

RAY:

I'm not so sure.

ROTHBURY:

I think you two need to talk. I'm turning in soon anyway.

(ROTHBURY Exits.)

SELMA:

You're late today. Did you stay in the city?

RAY:

I stopped off in the Queens to see a couple of people in the old neighborhood.

(Selma moves to a divan and lays on her stomach with her lower legs in the air.)

SELMA:

Did you see that old Dr. Willpeg again?

(Almost unconsciously, and unnoticed by Selma, he touches his right hand to his backsides.)

RAY:

He just wants to talk baseball with me. He really understands the game now. It gives him a kick.

SELMA:

What about the team doctors? Have you seen them yet?

RAY:

No, the team wants me to take some tests, I think. Just to make sure.

SELMA:

Honey, is that old German guy giving you anything? I'm beginning to wonder.

RAY:

Oh, no. He's just a harmless old coot. It makes him happy to talk. It makes him think that the old days when he was doctor for all the Germans in the neighborhood aren't all over.

SELMA:

Are you thinking about quitting baseball?

RAY:

Not right now. But I might have to. The team can't keep me just for my name. They couldn't even keep the Babe just for his name. How could they keep me?

SELMA:

You don't have to wait until you can't play anymore.

RAY:

That time might be right now, whatever the reason is.

SELMA:

Then you can leave the game. It's all right with me.

RAY:

What would I do if I wasn't playing baseball? That's my problem.

SELMA:

We've talked about all the things we want to do, after baseball is over.

RAY:

I always said I would quit as soon as my numbers fell down. But I never thought it would happen like this.

SELMA:

There are lots of things you can do. My daddy says he can buy a ball team for you.

RAY:

I don't think Col. Ashport will ever sell the Clippers.

SELMA:

It doesn't have to be the Clippers. How about commissioner? You'd be a great commissioner of baseball.

RAY:

Let's wait till I'm grey. (He rubs his hands through his hair.) Then we'll talk about it.

SELMA:

How about United States Senator. You'd win in a landslide.

RAY:

How about another trip to the World Series? The doctors will figure this out. They'll find out I have a infection or a pinched nerve, or that I need a little operation. I'll play five more years and retire in glory like I deserve, and you do too. Not in shame like the Babe, bless him.

(Selma stands back up.)

SELMA:

Honey, I'm reconciled. Baseball it will be. Until you can play no more.

(Ray feigns a left-handed swing. Selma puts on a cap which happens to be laying on a nearby table or bureau top. She follow with a swing of her own from the right side.)

RAY:

(aside) I hope.

(End of Scene 8)

Scene 9

AT RISE: Ray Bremer walks alone from the dugout into the Clipper's clubhouse. Waiting for him is the Babe. Ray is dressed in his baseball uniform, and is carrying a bat, ball and glove. The Babe is dressed in street clothes. His form is stout, and his posture somewhat stooped. As they talk, Ray hands the bat, ball and glove to the Babe.

RAY:

Hiya Babe.

BABE:

Not going so well, huh Ray.

RAY

It's all over Babe. I'm quitting the game.

BABE:

No. That's can't be. You're only thirty-five years old.

RAY:

I can't play anymore Babe.

BABE:

Maybe you should take some rest. You ought to have three, four seasons, even five seasons left if you take care of yourself.

RAY:

It's worse than that Babe.

BABE:

How so?

RAY:

The team doctors think I've got something. They don't even know what it is. They're sending me to a specialist.

BABE:

Any idea what it is Ray? You don't have to tell me, of course.

RAY:

I think it's the worst, Babe. I think I've got something really wrong.

BABE:

Not you Ray. You're still a young man. I'm old already Ray. One way or the other, I don't think I've got so long left. But you, you've got a whole life ahead of you. I hope you do.

RAY:

So do I. But I'm not so sure Babe. I think it's not meant to be. I've had fame and glory Babe, just like you. Now you're paying the price for it, for being that boisterous, gargantuan guy who could drink all night and then come to the ballpark and whack three home runs.

BABE:

I know that Ray.

RAY:

I'm paying my price too Babe. You know what my father-in-law said when we told him we were getting married.

BABE:

What? You never mentioned it.

RAY:

He called me the model young man of a generation. That's a hell of thing to have said about you. Isn't it?

BABE:

Ray, I think you are exactly that. No one could be a better example to America's boys and girls than you. I'm no example, not the way you are. I'll say that.

RAY:

You've made miracles Babe. You've been things no other man has been. Or could have.

BABE:

So have you Ray. Let's keep our spirits up and pray for the best. (He puts his arm around Ray's shoulder) If it's the worst Ray. If it's the worst, believe me, I'll be joining you again soon enough.

(End of Scene 9)

Scene 10

AT RISE: Dr. Willpeg is puttering in his office, apparently putting away laboratory equipment and packing belongings.

(RAY walks into the office.)

RAY:

Hello, doctor.

WILLPEG:

How are doing Ray?

RAY:

Not so well. The doctors at the university say I have two years to live, at the most.

WILLPEG:

You don't know how sorry I am to hear that.

RAY:

They say I have something called cholangitis.

WILLPEG:

I know what that is. A disease of the liver.

RAY:

They say I have an adrenal failure also.

WILLPEG:

Yes. Addison's disease.

RAY:

They kept on asking me if I was taking any medications. I didn't know what to tell them.

WILLPEG:

We must let those shots I gave you be our secret.

RAY:

Why? It doesn't make any difference now.

WILLPEG:

Yes it does. The young men of America need you as their hero. I implore you. Speak of this to no one. Tell your doctors if you must. And your family if you think you have to. Please. Do not let the world know your secret. You know the situation in the world and the part we must play.

RAY:

Do you think the shots are the reason I'm sick?

(Now Willpeg, as he talks, begins to collect and pack away the items in his office.)

WILLPEG:

They could have been. But maybe they weren't. We have no way of knowing, do we?

RAY:

Do you think maybe if I had more shots I could stop this, as long as I kept on taking them?

WILLPEG:

Maybe that is possible. Anything is possible, but you see, I am all out. I have no more.

RAY:

Can you get any more somewhere?

WILLPEG:

No it is not possible. As I explained it comes from Germany.

RAY:

If you need money, I have more than enough.

WILLPEG:

No, it is not money. You know what is happening in Germany. My medical license is not valid there anymore. To have the rights of a doctor, I would have to swear allegiance to the Fuhrer. I am not going to do that.

RAY:

I wouldn't ask that. Do you know of another doctor who can get it?

WILLPEG:

I don't know if there is any more in the world. I bought my last supply ten years ago.

RAY:

Maybe another doctor in New York has it. Or something like it.

WILLPEG:

You can ask around if you want. But Ray, I don't think it will help you. Nothing can stop what is happening to you. Only God.

RAY:

It's all over isn't it. It's finished. It's done.

WILLPEG:

Yes it is Ray. Now I must finish packing. I leave for Florida at eight o'clock tonight and arrive there tomorrow afternoon, where I will retire in the sunshine with my Jewish (he pronounces the word "Jewish" as "chewish") friends. Be brave Ray. We need men like you now, more than ever, as a example to our American young people. Goodnight Ray. It has been wonderful knowing you.

(Willpeg turns out the last light, and Exits, leaving Ray alone on the stage.)

(End of Scene 10)

Scene 11

AT RISE The BABE is standing in the Clipper's clubhouse. At the left is the door to dugout and field, which is brightly lit under a blue sky. The stands are decorated with red, white, and blue bunting. With the Babe is SELMA. From the rear, RAY Bremer comes hobbling in, wearing his Clippers uniform.

RAY:

I guess this is the last time I'll wear this uniform.

SELMA:

You look great honey.

RAY:

I don't feel so great.

BABE:

Our sympathies are all with you.

RAY:

I don't need any sympathy. I did this to myself.

BABE:

How so?

RAY:

Babe, I want to tell you something I've told no one but Selma and our parents. And my doctors.

BABE:

What's that?

RAY:

Can you keep a secret for us, Babe?

BABE:

Whatever you say here will never pass my lips.

RAY:

You know that old German doctor in my neighborhood. He was giving me some kind shots. Something he came back from Germany with. I don't even know what it was.

BABE:

So you think his shots are the reason?

RAY:

They're not sure. But they think so. They said they might know for sure when they cut me open, after I'm gone. I don't know what the stuff was, but it made me quicker and kept me wide awake. It was what made me great.

BABE:

Don't say that Ray.

(A MAN in a suit appears in the clubhouse door.)

MAN:

Ray, it's time.

(Ray kisses Selma. He shakes the Babe's hand and hugs him.)

RAY:

Here I go.

(Ray walks out of the clubhouse onto the field. Over the public address system his name is announced)

ANNOUNCER (offstage, and through a loudspeaker):

Ladies and gentlemen. Beltin' Ray Bremer.

(As Ray walks onto the field, a the crowd begin to roar, chanting "Ray, Ray, Ray". The noise rises until it becomes deafening as he mounts the speaker's stand.)

RAY:

Folks. Folks. Quiet please. (He gestures and the din begins to fall.) Folks. I think you all know why I'm here today. What you have heard in the newspapers and on the radio is true. The doctors say I won't be with you too much longer, and I will never play professional baseball again. Maybe some of you are wondering if playing baseball had anything to do with what has happened to me. Telling the truth, I wonder the same thing myself, so let me say this one thing to you, and then I will be gone. If baseball is the reason, I have no regrets about it whatsoever.

Baseball has given me the opportunity to meet wonderful men from every corner of America. It has given me the opportunity to live a life which others only dream about. It has given me a famous name. It has given me the chance to meet my wife Selma. Above all, it has given me an opportunity to be an example to the young people of America.

We all know what the world situation is. We know there may be dangerous times ahead. The boys who have seen me play, sent me letters of admiration, cheered for me, and collected my cards in years past are the young men of today and tomorrow. These young men, and our young women too, I fear, soon will face the greatest of challenges. If the example of my career in the game of baseball has helped prepare them for whatever lies ahead, then I know why I was made the man I was in this great country and wonderful game.

I thank all of you for the cheers I have heard through my years in this stadium and for your sympathies today.

Thank you folks, and goodbye.

(He turns around and walks, in a unsure gate, back into the clubhouse. Inside the clubhouse, Selma hugs him.)

SELMA:

You were wonderful honey. You were brave. You were courageous. You were eloquent. I'm so proud of you, and I'm proud to be Mrs. Ray Bremer.

(Ray and Selma end their embrace.)

RAY:

(to the Babe) How did I do?

(The Babe stands next to him, and puts his arm around him.)

BABE:

I think you hit a grand slammer.

SELMA:

Yes you did, Ray.

RAY:

Aw, no. I got myself into this pickle. I wish I could tell everyone the truth, Babe. I'm no hero, if everyone knew. To me, you're the hero. You're the one who had people following you everywhere. You're the one who everyone wanted at their party. I never dreamed of being what you are. In my wildest dreams I could never be the hero you were.

BABE:

Ray. As far as I'm concerned, there was no greater ballplayer in our time than you, in any league.

RAY:

No, not me. I was a good ballplayer, but not the greatest. That honor belongs to you if you ask me.

BABE:

Ray, I made up my mind when you came back in here from that field today, I was going to put my arm around you (He puts his arm around Ray's shoulders), and I was going to tell you that whatever happens from now on, there's one thing I want you to know. Those arguments by the fans and the sportswriters about who was the best ballplayer are never going to be settled. But there's one thing I know, and so does everyone else who has played this game in our time.

SELMA:

You tell him, Babe.

BABE:

As far as I'm concerned, as long this game is played, you should be remembered ahead of me or anyone who will ever play for the New York Clippers as the greatest player who has ever worn our uniform. As far as I'm concerned, Ray, you are now and always the greatest Clipper of them all.

SELMA:

We thank you for your noble thoughts.

BABE:

And you for yours.

SELMA (to the audience):

Now we thank you each for every accolade,

And lusty cheer, and honor paid.

We forsake this stage without regret,

not to rage or cry, or sadly fret,

our will, to live on unafraid,

we leave to keep our promise made.

(END OF THE DRAMA)