COMING TO GRIPS
Sir:
Congratulations on your bringing a part of the World Cup to the States (The Cup That Grips the World, July 1). It is a shame, however, that none of our three major networks brought us this great sport spectacle. Soccer in America has already been established; now we must strive to attain a style of play that is characteristically American. To obtain this individuality, it is imperative that we study, then adapt, adopt or dismiss some of the many different aspects of international soccer. What better way is there to do this than bringing the Cup games to the American public?
THOMAS M. NEVERS JR.
Willimantic, Conn.
HARD KNOCKS
Sir:
Mark Kram's story (Hard Sell for Some Hard Knocks, July 1) certainly left this reader in confusion. How could any intelligent being compare a man, Joe Frazier, beaten only by Ali and Foreman, two of history's best, to a Victorian hustler? And why didn't Mr. Kram give some thought to traveling to Albuquerque for the Bob Foster-Jorge Ahumada fight and explain to the world how a hometown decision robbed a foreigner of the light heavyweight title?
MONTE R. SHOEMAKER
Orlando, Fla.
Sir:
Distasteful would possibly be the most complimentary remark I could make of Mark Kram's postfight analysis of the Joe Frazier- Jerry Quarry fight. Obviously, Mr. Kram has resigned himself to the fact that the heavyweight division today is in a parlous state. Humbly, one begs to differ.
As for his report of the bout—which indeed was a shocking overmatch—one believes Mr. Kram could at least have showed Smokin' Joe the dignity of praise. I searched to discover a good word about the former champion, but none was there. All one could find was the continuing saga of Jerry Quarry, complete with his mother's and wife's expert analysis.
MARTIN O. ZUPETZ
Virginia, Minn.
Sir:
The boo of the year goes to Joe Louis. I'd like to know who picked him to referee the Quarry-Frazier fight. His performance was worse than Quarry's. Mark Kram put it on the nose when he said Louis was "lost back in the mist with Max Schmeling." It was ridiculous. Quarry staggering, half blind and ready for brain surgery, and Louis ordering Smokin' Joe to put on the crusher.
MICHAEL KANE
Vienna, Va.
PUTTING AN OAR IN
Sir:
I think Dan Levin (Smooth and Rude and Fast, July 1) left out some facts that would have made a great article in themselves—namely, the answer to several questions provoked by his article:
1) Who was the one Harvard oarsman who did not go to private school?
2) Who rowed for four years for Fair Harvard?
3) Who was captain of the Harvard crew?
4) Who had never rowed more than a pram before entering Harvard?
The answers to all these questions is David Fellows from Wayland, Mass.
HAROLD L. BARNETT
Cochituate, Mass.
SWINGING SINGLES
Sir:
At a recent game in Cleveland between the Indians and Twins I was watching the Twins take batting practice when I saw Rod Carew (Hitters of Singular Skill, July 1). I yelled out, "Hey, Rod, you going to hit .400?" He turned, smiled and said, ".399."
TERRY FLEMING
Columbus, Ohio
Sir:
I realize that Ron Fimrite was writing about singles hitters, but it seemed that whenever a comparison was necessary to prove a point, the comparison was made with Oriole Second Baseman Bobby Grich, who is the exact opposite of Rod Carew. This season Grich is going after the home-run ball instead of trying for singles and the transformation is looking beautiful.
CLIFFORD WEBNER
Baltimore
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