19th Hole: The Readers Take Over

COVERING PETE ROSE
Sir:
I enjoyed your superb March 14 cover showing the reunion of three terrific ballplayers—Pete Rose, Joe Morgan and Tony Perez—and the accompanying article In Philadelphia, They're the Wheeze Kids. However, that was a misguided jibe that Rose made to Perez, when Rose said, "You caddied for Yastrzemski. How does it feel to be caddying for a real ballplayer now?" Yaz has been a great player for years. And this comment comes from a player who in 1978 whined when Atlanta's Gene Garber threw him nothing but junk during the time at bat that ended his National League-record hitting streak at 44. Tsk, tsk, Pete.
BOB DAVIES
Upper Montclair, N.J.

Sir:
I would like to know who Pete Rose thinks he is. His remark about Perez now being a caddie to a real ballplayer was a rotten, slanderous and unsportsmanlike thing to say about Carl Yastrzemski, a class player and a tremendous individual. I never cared for Rose and his hot-dog style. He could use a lesson or two in humility.
K. ROBERGE
Biddeford, Maine

Sir:
I commend you on your fine article on the Wheeze Kids, three of the best players who ever played. The story also showed how inept Dick Wagner, president of the Cincinnati Reds, has been. Mr. Wagner can go on defending the reasons why Perez was traded. Rose became a free agent and Morgan left, but Cincinnati fans were not fooled then and they're not fooled today. There is only one reason why there are only four players remaining on the Reds from the 1976 world champions. Mr. Wagner and the rest of the Cincinnati management are cheap!
DENNIS HELFERICH
Cincinnati

SPINKS THE CHAMPION
Sir:
I was touched by Calvin Fussman's article on Michael Spinks (A Yawning Gap in His Life, March 14). It was written with a rare sensitivity toward blacks. I understand the hurt and pain that Michael is going through. On New Year's Eve, five of my friends were killed on that same Schuylkill Expressway. I was in total shock. One always hears about these things happening to others, but never really cares, because he never knew the victims. This article really unlocked feelings of grief and sorrow to be shared with Michael. God bless you, Michael, and keep on striving.
ALONZO E. DELAINE
Philadelphia

Sir:
Your recent article on Michael Spinks showed him to be a sensitive and caring individual, and we here in St. Augustine, Fla. can heartily agree. The Sertoma Club of St. Augustine has been trying to raise $85,000 for medical expenses for Garry Flanary, Jr., an 11-month-old who needs a liver transplant. Michael, who was training in St. Augustine, took out many hours from his training schedule to help out and head up our fund-raising efforts. Michael has dedicated his fight with Braxton to Garry and has promised to stay with this "fight for life" until the necessary funds are raised, a liver donor is found and little Garry is healthy once again. We here in St. Augustine who have had the opportunity to work with Michael in this effort have gained a great respect and love for this man who also happens to be a super boxer.

Anyone wishing to help Spinks and Sertoma in our battle can send a check payable to "Michael Fights For Garry" to the Sertoma Club, St. Augustine, Fla., 32084.
ALAN PLOTTS
St. Augustine, Fla.

COMMUNIST PLOT
Sir:
It was with satisfaction that I read Brian Lynch's letter in the March 14 19TH HOLE, especially the part about soccer representing Communism. How did he find out?

For years we have kept it a secret. Remember Soviet leaders saying they would take over the U.S. without firing a shot? Well, soccer is the plan they are using. What better way to conquer a country than through youth. Soon we will bring in all of the Commie, soccer-playing kids in America to surround the Pentagon, at which time the players will drill instep drives until the capitalist warmongers surrender.

I truly believe that Lynch and those like him have been playing football without their helmets too long!
COMRADE LARRY LANTZ
Little Rock, Ark.

RANDY'S PROBLEM
Sir:
After reading Val Wilson's article (VIEWPOINT, March 14), I was incensed. Her feelings are a perfect example of the reversal of priorities in America today. She appears to be rejecting her school psychometrist's diagnosis that severe dyslexia is the cause of her son's academic difficulties. Instead, she bemoans the fact that her son was removed from the wrestling team because of his English grade. It is absolutely appalling that Ms. Wilson should place the boy's proficiency at pounding someone's head into a wrestling mat above his academic problems. Also, her question "Would it be just to tell a child he couldn't qualify for computer class because he couldn't punt a football?" is a most blatant example of convoluted logic.