You don't get a nickname like Big Papi if you're just a follower. David Ortiz is a proven leader. I loved how, in the aftermath of the marathon bombings, he took the mike at Fenway to address the fans and give them a spark of hope. He then outdid himself by leading the Red Sox to a World Series victory with some of the best postseason hitting ever. He is indeed Boston's superhero.
Bruce Bernstein, West Hartford, Conn.
Everyday Heroes
While I enjoyed your cover of four of Boston's finest, I was disappointed by Tom Verducci's feature story (Boston Strongman), which was all about Ortiz. I was hoping for at least a sidebar on the three officers to somehow explain who they were, what they did that day and their feelings about what happened.
Curtis Miles, Greenwood, S.C.
I was immensely touched by your cover. Thank you for reminding us that heroes come in many forms, ranging from those who achieve success on the baseball diamond to those who, in a moment of absolute fear and panic, run toward the threat instead of away from it in order to protect us all.
Mark Mohr, Spokane
Tiger Clubbed
Kudos to Michael Bamberger for calling out Tiger Woods and his shameful treatment of Brandel Chamblee (SCORECARD). I am a Tiger fan, and I have stuck with him through the revelations of many of his personal shortcomings, but his actions toward Chamblee in this case went overboard. If Tiger wants to play loose with the rules, so be it. However, he shouldn't be surprised when others rightfully question his actions.
Chris Boyer
Lambertville, Mich.
Sherman's Sermon
Thank you, Richard Sherman, for pointing out what a lot of football fans feel about the NFL and its commissioner, Roger Goodell (POINT AFTER). Goodell talks of how much he cares about the players' health but then consistently pushes for more games during the regular season. He sees no problem with Thursday games, even though they only allow the players three days' rest, or games in London. Goodell cares about one thing and one thing only: the almighty dollar.
Christopher Bisignano Staten Island, N.Y.
Sherman's essay illustrates how some NFL players are out of touch with what it's like to work in the real world. Sherman wonders, where would the NFL be without players? My question is, where would those same players be without the NFL? Where would they work, how much would they make and would they still be able to afford their lavish lifestyles?
Jim Zamzes, Groton, Conn.
If Reggie Jackson is Mr. October, then David Ortiz is Señor Octubre.
Dan Gardner
Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif.
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SOCIAL MEDIA
Would you support a ban on tackle football before high school?
Rico J Fonseca No. That would only lead to more injuries down the road because the kids wouldn't be used to tackling.
James Alan Why do we need a ban? If you don't want your kids to play, then don't let them play.
Shawn Kranich Fans just wish coaches would teach proper tackling technique.
Mick Favel Who doesn't want to know how to light someone up like Ed Reed?
TWEET OF THE WEEK
iPhone autocorrect reminds me of an ex-gf that constantly needs to correct me & tells me what to think. I know what I'm trying to spell!
Ducks Left Wing Dustin Penner (@Dustinpenner25)
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JOE MCNALLY FOR SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (COVER)
FOR NOV. 11, 2013
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CARLOS M. SAAVEDRA FOR SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (SOCIAL MEDIA)
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FIVE ILLUSTRATIONS
