
THE MAIL
In the story on LeBron James and the Heat winning their second straight NBA title (Take Two), Lee Jenkins writes, "The Big Three was again reduced to the Chosen One, plus [Shane] Battier." But Dwyane Wade scored 23 points in Game 7 on 11 for 21 shooting, and without Chris Bosh's key offensive rebounds and blocks at the end of Game 6, we'd be celebrating Tim Duncan and the Spurs.
Paul Smith, Matthews, N.C.
Rallying Cries
It is not surprising that Brazilians are vocally (and sometimes violently) protesting the huge amount of public funds going to beef up the World Cup soccer apparatus while other basic necessities go unmet (SCORECARD). What is surprising is that Americans haven't taken to the streets to protest similarly misplaced priorities, such as when cities use taxpayer money to finance stadiums rather than schools.
Virginia W. Manuel, Midlothian, Va.
Great Expectations
Mary Cain reminds me so much of the great Jim Ryun, who was the first high schooler to break the American mile record almost 50 years ago (Here Comes Mary Cain). She is capable of setting the women's American mile record next year as a high school senior, a mark held by another Mary (Slaney, née Decker), who was also coached by Alberto Salazar.
Gary Kofnovec, Austin
While some people are second-guessing Cain's racing schedule and future plans, the well-informed majority has expressed only excitement, amazement and joy over her 2013 season. Whatever happens in Europe and at the Moscow world championships is just icing on this year's cake. I hope she retains her youthful enthusiasm for a long, long time.
Jay Kinsman, Woodland Park, Colo.
Mr. Baseball
The man who conquered Hollywood but not a major league curveball has never lost his love for the game or for the city he calls home (The Endless Summer of Bob Uecker). And that's why, despite all his success in other endeavors, he has never left. As a native Milwaukeean, I understand the city's love for Mr. Baseball, and his enduring love in return.
Paul Jacobs, Jupiter, Fla.
The Name Game
I have listened to or read about baseball for 60 years. I have seen or heard the names mentioned by Steve Rushin (POINT AFTER). Such diverse monikers can make the background of the national pastime all the more charming. Thank you for finding such melody.
Joseph J. Hoeller, Oak Creek, Wis.
Rushin passed over 46 major leaguers of the Q variety, including two Quirks (myself and Jamie), two Quicks, three Queens and 11 Quinns. For this omission, we award him the Quisenberry.
Art Quirk, Stonington, Conn.
I wish I could have seen Sheriff Blake handcuff Jimmy Outlaw with an inside fastball.
Len Zaslowsky, Lake Worth, Fla.
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SOCIAL MEDIA
Which MLB player rumored to be traded before the July 31 deadline could have the biggest impact on his new team?
Daniel Alexander Bellay: As a lifelong Pirates fan, I'm hoping for [White Sox] outfielder Alex Rios.
Michael Doherty: [Cubs starter] Matt Garza to the Red Sox.
Tony Heim: [Mariners outfielder] Raul Ibañez to the Rangers because they will need a power bat if Nelson Cruz is eventually supended. [MLB is investigating Cruz for allegedly violating its substance abuse policy.]
Neil Macias: [Second baseman] Chase Utley. He still has it and will be just as productive with his new team as he was with the Phillies.
Dan Hastings: [Philadelphia starter] Cliff Lee to the Cardinals. They have the farm system to give the Phillies what they want.
Armando Lopez: [Marlins rightfielder] Giancarlo Stanton to the Rangers.
Dawson McCormack: [Phillies starter] Cole Hamels. He knows how to win playoff games.
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"OFF TO SCOTLAND!! WHAT A WEEK! STILL CAN'T BELIEVE IT!" #STILLABLURR
JORDAN SPIETH (@JORDANSPIETH)
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FOR July 1, 2013
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