INBOX
FOR OCT. 5, 2015
Tom Verducci's lovely, poetic tribute to Lawrence Peter Berra may be the most moving eulogy in American sports history. The accompanying photos, too, hit the bull's-eye, especially the one of Yogi, the wide-eyed Mickey Mantle and the wild Billy Martin. Just as Berra did 1,175 times, his death touched home.
Paul Morrison, Canonsburg, Pa.
While on patrol in Vietnam on March 8, 1971, one of our guys pulled out his transistor radio and quietly told us Muhammad Ali lost to Joe Frazier. We were all in such shock. Nothing bad was said about Ali not serving. We respected him for his convictions and his skill in the ring. On behalf of Bravo Company, 5th Battalion, 46th Infantry of the Americal Division, I wish him the best.
John Hofer, Cross Plains, Wis.
Tim Layden's story on Ali was a great tribute to the man he has become. His humanitarian work and courageous battle against Parkinson's are praiseworthy. But let's not forget that as a young man, Ali didn't always practice good sportsmanship. So much of the immature and egotistical behavior of today's athletes can be traced to his actions.
Don Jones, John Day, Ore.
I couldn't believe that MLB commissioner Rob Manfred told Dan Patrick he'd have to think about whether he'd vote Pete Rose into the Hall of Fame if he were eligible. The answer is obviously no. Manfred's job is to preserve the integrity of the game.
Lance McCord
Holly Springs, N.C.
COVER
With all due respect to Muhammad Ali and your fine piece about him, the late Yogi Berra should have been on the cover.
Ted Isseks
Rock Hill, N.Y.
PAGE 17
SCORECARD
I would argue that Jordan Spieth did not "inherit the mantle of world's best golfer," as you say in the headline of the opening essay. Spieth did it the old-fashioned way: He earned it.
Bill Henry
Glenwood, Md.
PAGE 68
POINT AFTER
I once turned on an NHL playoff game only to witness Marty McSorley jam his stick into the ribs of an unsuspecting opponent and get just a five-minute penalty. I never watched another game—a loss given hockey's elegance when played the right way. Kudos to Chris Nilan for his thoughtful column.
John Briggs
Fair Oaks, Calif.
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PHOTO
NEIL LEIFER FOR SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (COVER)
PHOTO
CURTIS COMPTON/TNS/ZUMAPRESS.COM (SPIETH)
PHOTO
COURTESY OF TSN (NILAN)
PHOTO
TONY TRIOLO FOR SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (ROSE)
TWO PHOTOS
THE RING MAGAZINE/GETTY IMAGES (FRAZIER AND ALI)