A Gracious Volunteer

I am proud of my father, Joe Garagiola, for many reasons, but
especially for the many ways he helps others. SI must have overlooked
him in its SCORECARD - item (Dec. 28-Jan. 4) about the fund-raiser
for umpire John Hirschbeck and his family. My dad works countless
hours for the Baseball Assistance Team, helping baseball people who
find themselves in tough economic situations, yet he was also at the
Hirschbeck fund-raiser. When the emcee canceled at the last minute,
Hirschbeck called my father and asked him to emcee the dinner and the
auction. Dad changed his plans and flew to Chicago. Like SI, he was
moved by the players' show of love for the Hirschbecks.
GINA BRIDGEMAN
Scottsdale, Ariz.