As Samuel Alito walked across the New Jersey ball field where he played as a boy, he noticed changes. The pebbles seemed larger in the past, making the field uneven. For Alito, a rough playing surface made fielding ground balls challenging. He fondly recalled his childhood baseball days, playing second base with his friend Ronnie at shortstop. They imagined themselves as a successful double-play duo.
Alito’s love for baseball extended to his unwavering support for the Philadelphia Phillies, despite them being one of the worst teams at the time. “Abandoning your team during a bad streak shows bad character,” he remarked. At 76, Alito remains a devoted fan.
Years have passed since Alito last roamed his high school halls in New Jersey, where he excelled academically and was active in various extracurricular activities. On a return visit, he blended into the crowd, unnoticed without his judicial robe, despite his significant role as a Supreme Court justice.
Justice Alito, often perceived as “angry” by some critics, believes he is inaccurately portrayed. His record on significant legal issues like abortion, affirmative action, and religious liberty has made him a figure of scrutiny. He insists his decisions are grounded in the Constitution’s original intent.
Among his notable achievements is his ability to bring together a majority in divisive cases, such as the 5-4 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade. This decision returned the issue of abortion to the states. Alito’s skill in forging consensus sets him apart on the Court.
Reluctant to retire, Alito feels he can still contribute to the Court. He sees his role in protecting free speech and religious liberty as imperative. His influence extends beyond his vote, particularly in shaping the Court’s religious liberty jurisprudence.
The leak of the draft opinion in Dobbs was a shock to Alito and his colleagues. It changed Court dynamics and increased security concerns. Despite the challenges, Alito stands by his decisions, stating it was a privilege to write the opinion in Dobbs.
Alito’s methodical approach to opinion writing starts in the Court’s private conferences, aiming to understand his fellow justices’ positions. The leaked draft opinion in Dobbs was not solely his work but represented a collective contribution from the majority.
Despite controversies, including ethics allegations, Alito remains steadfast in his belief that the Court acts independently without political agendas. His “practical originalist” approach balances constitutional fidelity with practical outcomes. Although he dislikes gambling, he penned the decision allowing sports betting, demonstrating his commitment to constitutional principles.
Alito values his friendships with colleagues across ideological lines, exemplified by his relationship with retired Justice Stephen Breyer. Their camaraderie highlights the personal connections that endure despite legal disagreements.
Alito’s chambers reflect his personality, filled with books and keepsakes. Above his desk, the birth record of his father, who immigrated from Italy, serves as a reminder of his family’s journey and the American dream.
For Alito, his father’s humble beginnings paired with his achievements epitomize the American dream. He remains focused on upholding the Constitution, believing in the values he was raised on and still holds dear.