Abe Lemons

•Warren Spahn, after two months in Japan as a pitching coach: "They're a long way behind American baseball in a lot of ways, but in other ways—well, a high school kid signed for $200,000 while I was there."

With Abe Lemons' easygoing coaching and a 19-1 record

•Richie Scheinblum, Cincinnati Reds outfielder, recalling his trade from Cleveland to Washington for cash and a player to be named later: "When the year was over they wanted to give me back as the player to be named...

Sirs:Plaudits to your magazine and excellent staff of writers, specifically Dan Jenkins, Roy Blount Jr. and Ron Reid, on a smashing first-of-the-year issue!