BASEBALL DIGEST ALL STAR EDITION A Special Publication of Arnall Golden Gregory LLP By Abe J. Schear “Question and Answers” July 2012 For those of you who thought there Some months later I interviewed Joe ounce of bitterness about the game would be an interview in this edition and, even though Joe’s health had begun he truly loved and his misfortune of The Baseball Digest, I assure to fail, we were able to stitch together a of being born in an unfair time. He you that more are on the way. After beginner’s interview. I’ve always wished suggested that these hurdles were but twelve years and over fifty interviews, that I had been more skilled at the time weeds in a garden, that they could be however, I wanted the opportunity to (for example, I interrupted him more dealt with so as to enjoy the garden sort of interview myself, to answer a few than necessary). I can vividly see Joe itself. Norman had an incredible questions that are routinely asked about across from me wistfully looking out value system and I was honored to this series and, in addition, to provide a his window. Now, whenever I finish an be in his kitchen. few reflections on the undertaking. interview, I think of Joe and hope that he would be happy with the result. I also • My editor and much better half has How did the series get started? The let interviewees talk without interruption been with me for three interviews, answer is actually a wonderful story. In knowing I can clean up the text later if all just wonderful, and nearly late 1999, I was finishing my lunch when needed. hyperventilated when she met her my partner, Joe Haas (then a young 89), childhood hero, Bobby Richardson. walked into the room. One never left Which is your favorite interview? I Remarkably, she followed my Joe to eat by himself so I stayed and, am asked all the time which has been only rule - guests cannot talk at all given that Joe was a great baseball fan my favorite and that, honestly, is like during an interview. One beautiful (actually someone who knew a great deal picking your favorite child. All but one afternoon with Linda joining me, about so many things), I was happy to of the interviews have been a lot of fun I spoke with Jimmy Lanier who listen to his opinions. and interesting – one was tedious and, had been, at the age of twelve or honestly, not very good. Many moments so, Ty Cobb’s bat boy. Jimmy’s I said that Greg Maddux was maybe the have been extra special, such as: experience with Ty Cobb was unique best pitcher ever without a signature and his memories were ever so pitch. Joe thought for a minute and then • Early on in the process, I spent an vivid, memories that told an entirely explained in great detail that while my hour with Norman Lumpkin, a fine different story about Ty Cobb than thought was worthy, Carl Hubbell was Negro League ballplayer, and a the negative ones we hear. Near equally adept in the 1930’s and on and wonderfully special man. He played the end of the interview, all in the on he went with stories of Willie Mays for the Atlanta Black Crackers in room were in tears as Jimmy talked and the World Series, of stick ball in the late 30’s and through the 40’s, about his last visit with Cobb at Atlanta, of his love for baseball. What never having a chance to play in the Emory Hospital. Jimmy’s stories Joe was telling me, in addition to these big leagues – and never being bitter reminded me to be extra careful in wonderful stories, was that people about his experience. His house in my criticism and to be sure that my (clients and friends) want to read and Southwest Atlanta was immaculately hear about what they want, not what I neat and he was, quite rightfully, I Remember When, a book which wanted, and that baseball was far more ever so proud that he and his wife includes the first 35 interviews in this interesting, and memorable, to most than had put their three children through series, is available for $20. A check law. This is, in fact, a great lesson for us college. I think about Norman often should be made payable to Abe Schear all; it is difficult to communicate if the as he understood what was important and mailed to him at Arnall Golden listener is not sufficiently engaged. in life and remained without an Gregory. A r n a l l Go l d e n G r e g o r y L L P | July 2012 thoughts are carefully placed, as in and more. I can’t encourage you enough the interviewee. Be it with President Cobb’s case, in historical context. to place your family history in some sort Carter or Commissioner Vincent, with Yes, by today’s standards’, Ty of recordable medium as these stories are Leo Mazzone or with Ralph Terry or Cobb was likely quite prejudiced, uniquely yours. George Vecsey, each of the sessions however, being in Augusta, GA not has been different and memorable. I long after World War I, it is also Have you collected anything along could never have guessed that the series possible that Ty Cobb was more with the interviews? I am often would be so enduring, or that the advent liberal than the rest of his extremely asked if I have collected anything from of the internet would greatly increase biased community. At a minimum, the series of interviews, a relatively the distribution. The unknown and Ty Cobb was the product of his insightful question actually. The answer unexpected turns of the road have been a environment and, while this does is yes – for sure, leading off with one of great part of the fun. not forgive his feelings, it perhaps the most eclectic collections of signed helps to explain them. It is a good baseballs you can imagine. Nearly every Is there anything you’d change about example that prejudice is something interviewee has signed a ball, some the game? I am regularly asked my that is taught. personalized, some illegible, some the opinions about baseball, what I embrace only ball they’ve ever signed. They are and what I’d change. Everyone has • And then there is the time I spent all stacked together and without question an opinion, I suppose, and mine is just with Judge Griffin Bell, a great they amuse me. I have a Sam Massell as likely to be as wrong as the next baseball fan and great lawyer. I and a Zell Miller, a Jeff Foxworthy and person’s. I grew up well before free asked Judge Bell my favorite a Skip Caray, a Monica Kaufman and a agency and knew just about all of the question “What are your first Herman Russell. It is quite a wonderful players listed in the box scores of every baseball memories?” Judge Bell collection and brings back joyous game. Today, between large market paused (for long enough that the memories whenever I set my eyes on it. teams and plays of the day, the difference silence caused my tapes to go off) between large and small markets is and then Judge Bell started talking As a huge surprise, someone at the really exaggerated, certainly much more ever so eloquently about Babe Ruth Baseball Hall of Fame heard about than in football and arguably more than and 1925. Judge Bell so enjoyed my interviews and has asked for my basketball. It is hard to imagine how transporting us to the past and his source materials, particularly as I have small market teams can compete unless, stories really danced across the video and/or audio of every interview. like the NFL, the teams are able to interview page. That, of course, While that is, for sure, quite flattering, protect a player or two (perhaps a pitcher and a position player). It is imperative that teams be able to retain their stars “Change the rules for substitution to allow (think about Seattle losing A. Rod, Ken Griffey and Randy Johnson). Situations players to come back into the game.” like this do nothing to marry the players to the community and produce a corresponding lack of loyalty of the fans is what these interviews are meant I have thus far rejected the request. to the team. to accomplish, bringing to life Perhaps someday I will change my memories of the past, feelings of mind, however, it won’t be anytime The NBA and NFL have enhanced the long ago. soon, and, certainly will be years after fan’s experience more than baseball. the interviews have been completed. Yes, the game is played at a different About ten (10) years ago, I took my The interviews began with nothing in speed than others but games which were tapes and a few questions, mounted mind more than becoming a quirky and the normal at 2:25 are now a glorified my movie camera, and interviewed my enjoyable periodic newsletter, one which exception. Baseball needs to figure out parents – on baseball. At the time, my provided ten (10) minutes of enjoyment ways to hold the fan’s attention. A few father’s health was failing and he had a few times a year. There was no other thoughts that have occurred to me over virtually no short term memory.