Letters

FABULOUS 50s

Richard Hoffer's brilliant essay (1954, July 14-21) combined with
SI's plan to highlight sports in each of the 50 states remind me
why I have been an avid reader since 1960. It is refreshing to
read thoughtful and well-crafted writing. Thankfully, SI's glory
years show no sign of waning.
BRENT G. SQUIRES, Sandy, Utah

I was born on July 31, 1954. Two months later Willie Mays, my
father's favorite ballplayer, made his historic catch and helped
power my father's Giants to their last World Series title. My dad
would mention the catch and the Series right until his passing,
in 1989. Thanks for the issue; I'm happy to say that I was one of
two great things to happen for my dad in that year.
CHRIS DOUGHERTY, Wanaque, N.J.

I'm sure that you know how many subscribers you had for your
first SI in August 1954, but do you know how many in that group
have been continuous subscribers for the full 50 years? I'm happy
to say that I am one.
CLAUDE H. LONG, Greensboro, N.C.

--At last count 8,330 had subscribed for the magazine's entire
run. --ED

RHODE TRIP

I enjoyed Peter Farrelly's article concerning the importance of
the Providence basketball team in the lives of the local citizens
(Me and Ernie D., July 14-21). I read with interest as he
described the 1973 Final Four game between Providence and Memphis
State. I was 11 years old and attending my first Final Four
tournament, with my dad in St. Louis. I remember watching in
amazement as Ernie DiGregorio led the Friars' fast break. On one
spectacular trip downcourt, Ernie D. threw a no-look,
behind-the-back pass from just across the midcourt line that hit
a Friars teammate in stride for an easy layup. My dad and I often
talked about that play and agreed that it was the greatest pass
that we had ever witnessed.
GARY STERNBERG, Medina, Ohio

Farrelly writes of Rhode Island's smallest-state status, "If push
came to shove, we know we could kick Delaware's ass." Push
already has come to shove 22 times on the college football field,
and the University of Delaware has won 15 of those bouts with the
University of Rhode Island, including 10 straight from 1989
through 2000.
KEVIN TRESOLINI, Newark, Del.

VOLLEY OF THE SEXES

After describing the Wimbledon women's tournament, with its
easily predictable and, once again, poorly played final, you say,
"The men's draw, of course, has nothing nearly as rich to offer"
(Nerves and Volleys, July 14-21). Huh? We once again see the
Williamses dominate the draw only to play far below their ability
in the final. On the men's side we've seen 10 different winners
in the last 12 slams, Roger Federer put on one of the best
back-to-back performances Centre Court has seen to finish the
tournament and Mark Philippoussis put his career back
together--and the men have nothing as rich to offer?
CRAIG SOFER, New York City

WILD THINGS

So Rick Reilly thinks it's depressing that people still hunt for
big game in Botswana and Zimbabwe (THE LIFE OF REILLY, July
14-21). Me, I think it's depressing when countries turn wild
ecosystems into little more than big zoos, where 18 safari jeeps
can harass lions so often that they become tame enough to rub
against the tires. "Fat country club guys" like Reilly kill the
wild heart of Africa when they could have the same experience
with the docile faux animals of a Six Flags drive-through safari.
Don't forget the baby wipes.
ABE FRANK, Brooklyn

It appears that Reilly does not fully appreciate the contribution
that sportsmen (hunters) make to African wildlife. These
"cowards," as he labels them, are directly responsible for most
of the wildlife remaining in southern and East Africa. Much of
that $50,000 hunting fee he mentions goes to professional African
game management in the country where the fair-chase hunt takes
place.
TERRELL McCOMBS, San Antonio

A PASSION FOR PAZIENZA

I was very disappointed that your recent coverage of our nation's
smallest state failed to acknowledge one of Rhode Island's most
talented and beloved athletes, former lightweight champion Vinny
Pazienza, ranked eighth on your list of 50 Greatest Sports
Figures from Rhode Island (SI, Dec. 27, 1999-Jan. 3, 2000). His
fights at the Providence Civic Center were always jam-packed with
loyal "Pazmaniacs," including myself. To mention Rhode Island
sports and not include the name of this gallant warrior was
wrong.
BILLY BUTLER, Norwalk, Conn.

COLOR PHOTO: BETTMANN/CORBIS

COLOR PHOTO: JOHN IACONO (PAZIENZA) VIN EXTRAORDINAIRE Rhode Island boxing fans revered the pugnacious Pazienza.