Part 6/9:
Shifting gears from current developments, an anecdote from 1993 sheds light on the complexities of ownership changes within baseball. During a tumultuous auction process for the Baltimore Orioles, then-owner Eli Jacobs faced bankruptcy, prompting the team’s sale in a New York courtroom. Journalists, including the author, attended proceedings closely, only to face unexpected scrutiny from presiding judge Cornelius Black Shear.
In a twist of fate, after writing a column that poked fun at the judge's authority, he publicly called out the author in court—instilling fear of potential reprimand among reporters present. Ultimately, this historical moment underscored the importance of journalism and the evolving nature of sports ownership.