THE MAIL
Thanks to Chris Ballard for paying respect to my beloved Candlestick Park. While it was a punch line to many, the Stick was our Green Cathedral, even with the swirling hot dog wrappers, chilly fog, brisk winds and, for much of the 1970s and early '80s, abysmal baseball. Having endured the frigid temperatures in Chicago, I can honestly say that I have never been colder than during those nights at the Stick.
Barry Goldman-Hall, San Jose
Memory Sticks
The picture of Willie Mays signing autographs for the kids on top of the dugout at the Stick (Candle in the Wind) is a classic. Things were a lot simpler back then, as fans had easier access to their baseball heroes. Just think what would happen if youngsters tried to climb on top of a dugout today to greet their favorite player.
Stanley Holcombe, Attalla, Ala.
My family was delighted to see the aerial photograph of Candlestick Park taken by my father, John G. Zimmerman, on the cover of SPORTS ILLUSTRATED again after first appearing 53 years ago. When it first ran in the July 18, 1960, issue, Eisenhower was in the White House, SI was just six years old and Candlestick was the Giants' breezy, new ballpark. Ballard's personal reflections and accompanying photos of the Stick's most memorable moments have given it a very fitting and final tribute.
Linda Zimmerman Pebble Beach, Calif.
Additional Farewells
I was shocked to see that you didn't include Dean (the Dream) Meminger, who passed away in August, in your list of 2013 farewells. He was a point guard for Al McGuire at Marquette from 1968 to '71 and was the MVP of the NIT tournament in '70. He also won an NBA title with the Knicks in '73.
Anthony Quagliata Binghamton, N.Y.
I'm surprised that your obituaries did not include Texas quarterback James Street. He was on your Dec. 15, 1969, cover and led the Longhorns to the national championship that season. His son Huston is a pitcher for the Padres.
J. Scott Wilson, Austin
While I appreciated your tribute to Bill Sharman, you incorrectly stated that the Lakers defeated the Celtics in the 1972 NBA Finals, when in fact it was the Knicks. L.A. didn't exorcise the Boston demons until the '85 Finals.
Michael Liedtke San Ramon, Calif.
If Chris Davis had stood "with the back of his cleats on the end line" during that missed field goal against Alabama like his coach suggested, he would have been ineligible to field the kick because he would have been out-of-bounds.
Tom O'Dea Richmond
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SOCIAL MEDIA
NFL players voted Ndamukong Suh the most feared player in the league. Do you agree?
Quin Voet He's definitely the most fined.
Kent Williams Most feared or most likely to stomp on you after the play is over?
Loretta Golden Anybody with Kong in their name should be feared.
Mike Underwood Suh is a beast. His problem is he plays in the wrong era. His would have fit in perfectly in the 1960s and '70s.
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TODD J. VAN EMST FOR SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (COVER)
FOR DEC. 30, 2013
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ANDREW WEBER/USA TODAY SPORTS (SUH)
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FIVE ILLUSTRATIONS