Letters

All-Timers' Day

Our Alltime All-Star Team (Oct. 9), not surprisingly, generated a lot of mail. Senior writer Tom Verducci called the team, which was selected by 22 expert writers, editors and analysts, "a fascinating blend of art and science," with which he didn't entirely agree, and neither did many of our readers. While most of the 245 letters we had received by Oct. 20 expressed general satisfaction with our choices and astonishment at Aaron Goodman's photo illustration, 43 players who didn't quite make our cut were nominated for inclusion—with Roberto Clemente (24 mentions) the runaway leader, followed by Barry Bonds (18); Bob Gibson (12); Josh Gibson (12); Pete Rose (8); Satchel Paige (7); and Cal Ripken (7). The vehemence about those who didn't make the team was almost matched by protests over those who did: 21 readers objected to the choice of A-Rod as the backup shortstop and third baseman, and nine questioned the presence of Roger Clemens. There were also letters supporting Connie Mack, Sparky Anderson and Joe Torre for the manager's slot, two letters suggesting slates of umpires and eight letters that considered the 25-man roster and tried to flesh out Verducci's final thought "about the batting order that manager John McGraw should use...."

I nearly swooned with delight. As a Giants fan, to see Christy Mathewson on the same page with Sandy Koufax was as good as it gets. Koufax's no-hitter against the Giants in 1963—which I was fortunate enough to witness—was this baseball fan's dream. And I can't even begin to talk about my veneration for Willie Mays, because then I'd really sound sappy.
Glenna Matthews, Laguna Beach, Calif.

Kudos to photo illustrator Aaron Goodman and the SI staff for bringing the very best in baseball to life in one dugout. I almost expect John McGraw to turn to Dennis Eckersley and yell, "Hey, Eck, get your butt out there and help Christy finish this one off!"
Craig Vroom, Colorado Springs

I think Ted Williams is telling Ty Cobb how he hit .406.
Jeff Wolman, Silver Spring, Md.

Your alltime team omits one crucial factor: team chemistry. Avowed racist Ty Cobb would not stand for the inclusion of Jackie Robinson, Willie Mays or Hank Aaron, and might also have issues with Sandy Koufax, Mariano Rivera and Alex Rodriguez. Joltin' Joe's prodigious ego would render him unable to stomach being neither the "greatest living ballplayer" nor the starting centerfielder. (That would be Mays.) But can you imagine the astonishing nightlife exploits—and consequent sluggish performances—of Ruth and Mantle together on the road?
Dan Sarles, Austin

The choice of Stan Musial at first base didn't make much sense to me. You could have chosen Jimmie Foxx as a backup for Lou Gehrig, although I don't believe Lou took much time off during his career.
Malcolm Dodge, Clayton, Calif.

How dare you leave off Trevor Hoffman, the alltime saves leader?
Dave Beck, San Pedro, Calif.

... Shoeless Joe Jackson, who batted .340 or better for eight of his 13 seasons. Although he was banned for allegedly fixing the 1919 World Series, his .375 average, one home run, three doubles and six RBIs in that series would have been good regardless of the outcome.
Jon Stein, Columbia, Mo.

... Brooks Robinson? And thanks for putting Roger Clemens back in a Red Sox uniform, where he's always belonged.
Phil Rand, Lincoln City, Ore.