Current Research
I have just finished my fourth book on the history of the business of baseball, this one focusing on the vices of the National Game and how they reflect American Society in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It's called The Dark Side of the Diamond, with chapters on gambling, game-fixing, alcoholism, drug abuse and violence, both on the field and between players and fans. It should be in your neighborhood bookstore by next spring.
In addition, I am working on a small piece to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's courageous step across baseball's evil color line.
Most Interesting Case
Currently, I have on my desk a draft of an arbitration opinion involving Walt Disney World and Actors' Equity. The union claims that the precision stunt drivers in Disney's new spectacular, "Lights, Motors, Action!" at MGM Studios in Orlando are covered by their collective bargaining agreement. Disney says these finely trained athletes are not singers, actors or dancers. During the hearing last fall, the parties insisted that I take a "plant visit," a trip to see three Disney shows and visit the backstage facilities. It was "a magical day," as they say in Orlando.
Recent Publications
A few months ago, Taishukan Publishing Co., Ltd. of Tokyo published the Japanese version of my first book, Legal Bases: Baseball and the Law. This spring, I will present the book as a gift to Daisuke Matsuzaka, the splendid Japanese pitcher recently signed by the Sox. In exchange, he will show me how he throws his famous "gyro" pitch, which I will demonstrate to my Sports Law classes.
I have been pre-testing some of the chapters from my new book in sports law reviews at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Florida. In addition, the Bureau of National Affairs has published a number of my arbitration opinions. My piece about Justice Blackmun's list of his favorite ballplayers in Flood v. Kuhn made the "top ten" download list for "Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence & Legal Philosophy Journals" on the Social Science Research Network.
Best Book Read in the Past Year
Carl Hiaason, an old friend from my days in South Florida, has written another brilliant laugher about life in the swamps of the Sunshine State, called Nature Girl. Great stuff and totally mindless.
Favorite Thing to do When Not at the Law School
Eating sour dough pizza at Baba Louie's on Main Street in Great Barrington, Mass., after a Saturday afternoon movie at the Triplex Cinema. My wife, Fran, likes the pomodoro bianco topped with roasted portobellos, roasted garlic, tomatoes and chèvre, and I like the Isabella, covered with roasted sweet potatoes, roasted parsnips, caramelized onions, shaved fennel and balsamic vinegar. Then maybe a nap might be necessary.
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