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 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, . 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 was maybe the have been extra special, such as: experience with Ty Cobb was unique best 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 for the Atlanta Black Crackers in room were in tears as Jimmy talked and the , 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 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 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 ). 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 ). 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 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. He goal but, I must admit, I sure do have a the last few years: did, however, remember the games he pile of tapes and DVD’s. I’m not sure went to with my mother in the 1940’s, who else would want to own and treasure • Change the rules for substitution the street cars and the players. He lit them. and allow players, within some up when telling these small stories, framework, to come back into stories we all have (about baseball or Most importantly, I have collected great the game. Each team could have something akin), and now I have these memories, not just meeting people I’ve perhaps three extra substitutions. stories on DVD, preserving his memories read about, but doing so in a casual This would allow the better and allowing him to forever share this environment, one in which I get to spend to stay in the game, defensive audible history with his grandchildren a special one on one hour or so, with players to excel, speed to transform 2 BASEBALL DIGEST by Abe J. Schear

games. Sure, this changes the way of each would be awarded a point • Baseball has done a wonderful job we’ve always played, but fans do and, of course, the winning team marketing its Hall of Fame and not come to the park to see the worst would receive multiple points. This many, many people know that it is players on the team. Allowing a would, hopefully, change the linear in Cooperstown (even if they don’t relief pitcher to come in a second substitution pattern (think free know where that is). A few people time would enhance the excitement. substitution) and, in addition, keep know where the NFL Hall of Fame Allowing a for a slow the fan’s attention as the 8th is and it seems only friends and player adds excitement and retains might really matter, even if your family know about the NBA Hall one’s interest. This is hardly any team was way behind. A fan who of Fame. Sure it would be nice bigger change than allowing for the lost interest in third inning might to finish your career and be in the (whose statistics continue to watch. Baseball must Hall of Fame but you’d think that are hardly segregated). figure out a way to keep the fan in the Hall of Fame was a way station the seat, at the game or at home, to heaven, particularly when we monotonously bring up and all of the steroid users with the “If the All Star game is to matter, let it same gravity as if we, for a second, thought that these fellows were matter with the best players on the field.” going to finish their careers and go on immediately to win the Nobel Prize. • Allow the teams to have 28 players, regardless of the score. Surely, a situation which would allow changing the scoring from “games Every time baseball discusses those for a third and specialty behind” to points scored would be who are not in the Hall of Fame, it players, defensive and otherwise. easy to understand and, hopefully, (i) points out problems in the game; This would make the games less keep the interest of the fan. Think and (ii) undercuts the fun in visiting predictable and, hopefully, retain the of baseball as a business – didn’t the Hall of Fame itself as fans want excitement for the fan. Coca Cola used to have Coke and to see the best of the players and Diet Coke only? Embrace rational their artifacts, their head first slides, • Coupling free substitution with the change. their mega home runs, their on the larger team would also help the field achievements. Baseball needs absolutely ridiculous All Star game, • Allow the teams to use a short term to move forward, not remain stuck a game which now determines the disabled list, perhaps seven days. in the dialog. Regarding Rose, home field advantage the World This could, as with other rules, letting him in without allowing him Series, the most ridiculous fact in be used but not in an unlimited to participate would recognize his all of sport. If (and I don’t like the manner. Again, the idea is to allow on the field achievements. Making concept at all) the All Star game is the best players to play, not sit on sluggers like McGuire and Bonds to matter, let it matter with the best the bench being unable to perform, and Sosa wait an extra five years is players in the league on the field, not or being on the disabled list longer more than enough penalty. At the three and then to the airport. than necessary. If the team size end of the day, fans will come to the Having the third string (!!!) all stars was expanded, this would likely Hall of Fame if what they want to in at the end of the game is plainly be a good way to retain players, see is there – they want to see their absurd if the game matters. Major improve the game and strengthen the favorite players and relive their most League Baseball should decide competitive nature of the contests. vivid memories. Baseball’s current if this is a game or an exhibition failure to include these players will and, if the latter, let’s get rid of the • How many throws are needed ultimately hurt the Hall of Fame meaningful consequences. If the to first base? It seems that three and, unintentionally, glorify some former, let’s play to win and forget (3) is enough for any at bat. The players who hardly deserve the about the best players only getting game has to speed up a bit. Other attention. It is, of course, amazing one at bat. It should be honor sports have delay of game penalties that you’d think that those in the enough to be on the team. (surely basketball and football do), Hall of Fame were only the non- however, the ways in which baseball sinners. Some are better than others, • Given the disparity in talent, so languishes need to be addressed. some playing at times when they many games which are effectively For instance, a relief pitcher who has were wonderfully shielded from over after three innings, let’s change been warming up for many minutes the media and internet, in a far less the scoring and divide the games still gets eight pitches when he gets invasive society. into thirds (i.e., innings 1-3 and to the mound. I’d say 4 pitches are 4-6, 7 – conclusion). The winner more than enough. Speed it up. • And then there is the . 3 A r n a l l Go l d e n G r e g o r y L L P | July 2012

Last I knew, the pitcher had the than ever and the field has hardly budget. The attention span of the viewer right to the entire plate, not just adapted. It might be worthwhile is much shorter, the willingness to sit the outside half, and the attitude to move the batter’s box an inch or through tediously slow games is much of today’s player, when hit, is just two further off of the plate, allowing reduced. Baseball must do all it can laughable. Pitchers have to be the pitcher to more effectively use to keep the attention of the fans, to not allowed to pitch inside. Pitchers the inside of the plate while still just make the ball park experience more like Drysdale and Gibson owned being able to attack the outside half. pleasant but, so too, the game itself. both halves of the plate and Greg The batters are more than capable Maddux, with all his control, hit of covering both halves. And Sure, it would be a break to some extent over 120 batters (most intentionally remember, baseball has changed the with the game of decades ago but, and I’d guess). height of the pitching mound. as much as I’d like to live in the past, we live in a world much different. Baseball I am reminded of a senior division Baseball remains a special game. It is was a radio game – not a Sports Center championship game some years ago. played at a speed that allows the viewer game. We loved the announcers – now I was catching and the other team’s to remember play after play. We can I can’t even remember who they are. clean-up hitter leaned his fat belly take time to talk, to visit, to share stories, We knew that pitchers were fast – now we know how fast. We knew that the missed the call – now we see the “Baseball needs to change if it wants to blown call from five (5) camera angles. continue to attract the best athletes.” Embracing technology and modifying certain pieces of the baseball environment, without fooling too much over the plate. I called for an inside to drink a beer. It is a game, unlike so with the game itself, would hopefully pitch and we hit him. The exact many others, which welcomes families, make the game much better, the same thing happened his second at is comfortable for both men and women, experience more pleasant and the fans bat. I told the umpire that the batter is a game which is relatively inexpensive more connected to the industry. should not get first base as he did to play, a game which fosters great not attempt to avert the ball and, in debate over the smallest of plays. It is a In sum, this series has provided me a addition, I told one and all we would game you can totally follow in the car as wonderful hobby and I look forward hit his sorry ass every time he batted plays evolve with predictability. And, of to many, many more interviews. If unless he moved off of the plate course, it is the game where the offense anything, the interviews have made me (which he did and we struck him does not have the ball. love the people as much as the games – a out the next two times, winning the doubleheader win for sure. Thank you championship in the process). That said, baseball needs to change if for your continued encouragement. it wants to continue to attract the best

That said, today’s players are bigger athletes and its share of the entertainment

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“Questions & & “Questions

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