Letters

White Hot

SI captured the 2005 World Series with the phrase "a refreshingly new look and feel" (First in a Series, Oct. 31). The White Sox displayed team unity, a sense of fun and a grinding work ethic. That is the same ethos shown by the South Side fans who have supported their team over the past 88 years. We will never stop believing in our team, or in ourselves.

W. Gary Norkiewicz, Orland Hills, Ill.

All I heard after the World Series was over was how low the TV ratings were and that nobody cared. Reading Tom Verducci's masterpiece helped me think back on those four down-to-the-wire games that showed how two mid-budget teams can still succeed--with a combined payroll that was about three quarters of the Yankees'--and how teamwork can overpower economic arrogance. I haven't had that much fun watching a World Series in my whole life.

Kevin Schwert, West Palm Beach, Fla.

Jack of All Trades

Kudos to Jack McCallum for This Is the Life (Oct. 31), the story of his eight days as an assistant coach with the Phoenix Suns. I spent most of last season wondering how Mike D'Antoni orchestrated the Suns' offensive explosion, and McCallum answered my questions while giving me an inside glimpse of the NBA.

Matthew Moore, West Des Moines, Iowa

McCallum's terrific article did for me what the entire NBA could not do in the aftermath of the Pistons-Pacers brawl: It made me sit down and watch an NBA game from start to finish. Thank you for restoking the fires.

John Mousseau, Maplewood, N.J.