Letters
Packing 'em In
In S.L. Price's article about fan violence (When Fans Attack,
April 28), he asks, "Who wants to banish the Lambeau Leap?" Price
assumes that putting barriers between fans and players would hurt
attendance. He's obviously never been to a game at Lambeau. The
notion of fan violence in Green Bay is preposterous to native
Wisconsinites, and nothing could diminish attendance at Packers
games. However, the waiting list for tickets might shrink from 30
years to only 20 years.
Tim Haney, Janesville, Wis.
Star Treatment
As a veteran marathon runner I've been trying to qualify for the
Boston Marathon for years. I'm in the same age group as Will
Ferrell, which requires a qualifying time of 3:15 (SCORECARD,
April 28). Last August, I missed qualifying by 1 1/2 minutes;
after Ferrell's last marathon he was more than one hour beyond
the required time, yet he was invited to run anyway. I guess when
you're rich and famous, you don't have to play by the rules.
Michael Smith, Coppell, Texas
Bonds Backer
I look forward to getting my SI every week so I can read Rick
Reilly's commentary, but I'm tired of him bashing Barry Bonds
every chance he gets. In the last few weeks Reilly's snuck in
jabs at Barry in columns on the changes he'd make in baseball
(THE LIFE OF REILLY, April 14) and on fans running on the field
(April 28). It's getting old. So what if Barry snubbed him a
couple of years ago. Get over it!
David Miroglio
Carmichael, Calif.
Oral Exams
The diagram of Carson Palmer on your cover (April 28) neglected
to highlight one crucial area of a quarterback's body: his mouth.
When he speaks, what comes out will determine whether he's a
leader or a loser and whether he is inspiring to or despised by
his teammates.
Jerry Schwartz, Chamblee, Ga.
Teaching a Lesson
So Joe Queenan thinks athletes deserve to make far more than
teachers because "lots of people can teach grade school; it takes
real talent to hit a tiny spheroid three times out of 10," (AIR
AND SPACE, April 28). I wonder who Queenan thinks taught him how
to read and write.
Ken Keller, Valencia, Calif.
A Woman of Strength
I recently attended an event at which Coach Diane Geppi-Aikens
(Scorecard, April 28) presented players from the Catholic High
School of Baltimore girls' lacrosse team with Inspiration Awards
named in her honor. Geppi-Aikens said the players were the ones
who inspired her to face each day and be the best she could be
even while she was suffering from terminal cancer. The players
gathered around the Queen Bee for photos, laughter and
conversation. Geppi-Aikens is truly a hero and an inspiration to
players, coaches and parents. May her strength give us strength.
Joe Clocker, Baltimore
My husband has been called away to active duty, and lately his SI
has gone directly from our mailbox to the care package stack to
be forwarded to him. This morning, after packing lunches, running
my children to school, grabbing grocery items for dinner and
preparing for another long day at work, I was feeling sorrier for
myself than usual. I sat down with a piece of toast to lament my
plight as a solo parent and began idly thumbing through your
latest issue. Geppi-Aikens's remarkable story brought me back to
earth. If she can face the day with laughter and hope, I
certainly can too. Chances are my husband will come home safely,
our lives will return to normal and we will both live to see our
children graduate from high school. I'm hoping for a miracle so I
can invite Coach Geppi-Aikens to attend.
Lisa Hohn, Gaylord, Mich.
Infield Error
If you're scoring at home--error, SPORTS ILLUSTRATED. As a
longtime Yankees fan, I believe that's a photo of Fred (Chicken)
Stanley on the cover of the SI accompanying the CATCHING UP WITH
on Brian Doyle (April 28).
Clyde Haworth Jr., Barrington, R.I.
*SI regrets the error.--Ed.
Viva Venezuela
I was pleased to read your projected lineups for a World Cup of
baseball (INSIDE BASEBALL, April 28), but I think you may have
left out a lineup with great promise: Venezuela.
Laura Leonhardt, Harrison, N.Y.
*Here, belatedly, is a potential lineup.--Ed.
Pos. Name
1B MELVIN MORA
3B EDGARDO ALFONZO
CF BOBBY ABREU
RF MAGGLIO ORDONEZ
LF RICHARD HIDALGO
DH VICTOR MARTINEZ
SS ALEX GONZALEZ (MARLINS)
C RAMON HERNANDEZ
2B LUIS RIVAS
SP FREDDY GARCIA
SP TONY ARMAS JR.
RP FRANCISCO RODRIGUEZ
COLOR PHOTO: GARY BOGDON (COVER)
COLOR PHOTO: RON VESELY Magglio Ordonez
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