Letters

?White Sox Frank Thomas and Giant Matt Williams were voted MVPs. Red Sox Roger Clemens and Brave Greg Maddux won the Cy Youngs, and Ranger Jose Canseco and Giant Darryl Strawberry took Comeback Player of the Year honors. Sadly, the Dodgers didn't re-sign Niedenfuer, because they despaired of getting him back in shape. Sadder still, Ripken's iron-man streak ended at 2,030 games when he contracted measles and refused to expose his teammates to the disease. That's the kind of guy Ripken is.—ED.

I expected a comprehensive analysis of the strike. Instead, I got an inept attempt at lighthearted journalism that was an insult to intelligent baseball fans everywhere. I'm surprised your cover wasn't Forrest Gump dressed in a Cub uniform and striking out the final batter of the World Series. Give me a break.
GEORGE CHARLSEN, Baltimore

Dream Team II
I must disagree with Phil Taylor's statement that the U.S. public will not "tire anytime soon of having its stars demolish the rest of the basketball world" (Yes, It Was a Joke, Aug. 22). Winning is the ultimate goal, but it must be done with sportsmanship. Dream Team II acted like thugs. The original Dream Team was made up of stars, while the Team Hers were mostly wannabes. Also, Larry, Magic, Michael & Co. didn't try to humiliate other teams. Watching Shawn Kemp and Derrick Coleman chest-bump and talk trash was an embarrassment. As for Reggie Miller, he may one day be a star, but for now he's a loudmouth with no class or style. Team II was a disgrace.
MARDELL DEVEREUX
Auburn, Calif.

The whole idea of a Dream Team is a bad one. There is nothing less exciting than watching the U.S. beat some other team by 45 points. This not only discourages oilier countries but hurts the U.S. as well. America should go back to using college players and restore parity to these games.
RICH POLIKOFF, Hinsdale, Ill.

License to Dream
At last I can drive my car proudly down the highway.
DAN HORAN, Pacific Palisades, Calif.