19th Hole: The Readers Take Over

THE WORMS TURN
Sir:
After reading Curry Kirkpatrick's sidebar "Here's To The Worms In The Big Apple" (It Went Thataway!, Oct. 27) on reasons to hate the Mets, I cursed him out loud for about 10 minutes. Obviously, Kirkpatrick is about as unbiased as Whitey Herzog, and like Herzog, he comes out a loser because the Mets fought back to win the World Series. There are only two reasons why people like Kirkpatrick hate this great team: 1) The Mets are just too good, and 2) Kirkpatrick et al. wish the Mets were their team.

Kirkpatrick's writing was definitely not like it oughta be.
JIM SWEENEY
Elmhurst, N.Y.

Sir:
It's "amazin' " what one man will write for attention. Yes, the pen is mightier than the sword, but Curry Kirkpatrick made no mention of the bat. Sit down, Kirkpatrick, and write something productive—like an apology to Frank Cashen & Co.
RODGER LIPPMAN
Brooklyn

Sir:
Jealousy, nothing but jealousy.
ROBERT KATZ
Brooklyn

Sir:
Willets Point, the Letsgoes, Nails, October, Mex, Hot Dog—ah, to be a worm!
DOUGLAS OTTO
West Babylon, N.Y.

INSTANT REACTIONS
Sir:
I am in favor of the instant replay system (Going Ape Over Tape, Oct. 20), and I think the communication problem can be worked out. I work at a nuclear power plant. We have walkie-talkies similar to the NFL umps, and sometimes hearing orders from the control room is hard, especially in noisy areas. So when we get beeped, we usually head for the nearest phone for clear communication. A mistake at a nuclear plant could be devastating, and since we've never had any major problems, it proves that communication can be worked out.
CRAIG KAUFMAN
Fulton, Ill.

? NFL umpires are now equipped with individual earpieces and mikes for clearer communication.—ED.

Sir:
I beg to differ with Paul Zimmerman on his analysis of what's wrong with instant replay. The man in the booth should never have the authority to overrule the man on the field. The replay man should be there only to stop play and give the field official responsible for making the call (or noncall) the opportunity to review what we in TV land have seen. If the man on the field wants to stick by his call, so be it. If, because of a replay, he finds reason to change his call, he avoids the onus that Don Denkinger will carry to his grave. Give the guy on the field a helping hand, not a Big Brother.
LEON WAHLBRINK
Eldon,Mo.

Sir:
The NFL blew it by trying to check every play. Let's face it, the USFL had it right: The coaches and players asked for a review when they felt a bad call was made.
STEVE MIYAMOTO
Jacksonville Beach, Fla.

Sir:
The solution to the NFL's new replay system is so simple that it has been overlooked. Instead of having code words and relying solely on audio communication, why not add a visual signal that can readily be seen by players, coaches, fans and officials alike?