THE MAIL

Why should Reggie Jackson have to apologize for comments that just about every baseball fan has made? Some of Alex Rodriguez's stats are tainted because of his admitted steroids use, and some members of the Hall of Fame do not deserve to be there. The Hall is for the best of the best, not players who put up many seasons of solid numbers. It was nice to finally hear someone from the baseball elite speak the truth.

Carl Allamanno, San Leandro, Calif.

Another Strike

I had to laugh when I read your Where Are They Now? story on Jackson (Still Swinging Away). Perhaps he was thinking about having to face Bert Blyleven's curveball again when he said, "No. No, no, no, no," regarding Blyleven's qualifications for Cooperstown. After all, Blyleven struck out Reggie more times (49) than any other pitcher.

Bill Stoetzel, Lakeland, Minn.

A Joke No More

I thought your story on Shawn Kemp (Deepness in Seattle) was wonderful. I used to cringe at the many jokes tossed around about Kemp and his past troubles. I've always known him to be a very open and active member of the Seattle community. I'm glad the rest of the country has finally caught up on Kemp's redemption and success story.

David Creatura, Seattle

Man in the Mirror

As a college track athlete, I too have been guilty of being focused just on self. However, Gary Smith's beautifully written article on activism (Why Don't More Athletes Take a Stand?) inspired me to take a look in the mirror. There is a valuable lesson to be learned from Wonman Joseph Williams: Life is not only a personal journey but also one that allows us the opportunity to help others.

Derek Janssen, Pocatello, Idaho

Doing Just Fine

Thank you for your update on Earl Campbell (Life's Roses and Sausages). Campbell was my boyhood hero, so while I was saddened to read about his struggles with pain and addiction, I was heartened to hear that he is recovering and has raised two sons to be as tough as he is.

Jay Wellman, Dublin, Ohio

Your article reminded me of a quote from former Oilers coach Bum Phillips. When asked if Campbell was in a class by himself, Phillips responded, "Earl may not be in a class by himself, but whatever class he's in, it doesn't take long to call the roll." It's clear that assessment of Campbell still holds true.

Paul Rosen, Arlington, Va.

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JULY 30

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BRITISH OPEN

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TWEET OF THE WEEK

"'DRINKS LATER? I KNOW EXACTLY HOW YOU FEEL,' SAID THE TEXT MESSAGE FROM MARIA SHARAPOVA TO ROGER FEDERER. #OLYMPICS"

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FEEDBACK

Whose Olympic performance has impressed you the most?

Pitch Count: With 22 medals Michael Phelps is the greatest Olympian of all time. He obviously wins this one.

Michelle Dalton-White: Definitely Usain Bolt. He didn't just win the gold in the 100 meters, he slaughtered the competition, even after a slow start.

Michael Saddler: While I love Phelps, we are talking about the fastest man on the planet here. Bolt did it for me!!

Erik Kempf: Swimmers Missy Franklin and Katie Ledecky. Being so young but still being able to dominate like that makes a teenager like me very proud.

Manuel Armijo: Serena Williams. She was a woman on a mission. She didn't lose a set on her way to winning the gold in singles and then took doubles with her sister, Venus.

Andrea Piscopo: Of course the Blade Runner, Oscar Pistorius, was amazing, but the U.S. women's gymnastics team also impressed me.

John E Olds: Phelps is impressive because of his consistency and dominance and so is Bolt, but Galen Rupp had an incredible run in the 10,000 meters, a race the Americans never do well in.

PHOTO

HEINZ KLUETMEIER (COVER)

FOR July 9-16, 2012

PHOTO

HEINZ KLUETMEIER (PHELPS)

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