INBOX

FOR MAY 2, 2016

Charles P. Pierce's memorial of former Syracuse star Pearl Washington—with his observations about the nature of mythmaking in the pre-Internet era—was as fine a single page of writing as I can remember in SI.

John Neer, Alexandria, Va.

Reading about up-and-coming shortstops, I couldn't help but think that the best prospect at the position has hardly played short at all. Still only 23, Manny Machado was moved to third in 2012 when the Orioles needed help there, but he was groomed to play short.

Mike Donohue, York, Pa.

It was really cool reliving the 2011 NFL draft(Backdraft) and hearing from the players, many of whom have since become among the best in the league. That the first two teams picking in '11 made it to the Super Bowl five years later is a great example of how franchises are built on draft day.

Harrison Reeves, Charlotte

If the Timberwolves are the budding NBA dynamo Andrew Sharp suggests (SCORECARD), they will still be in the shadows of their co-owned Minnesota Lynx, who last fall captured their third WNBA title in five years.

Arthur D. Walsh

Forest Lake, Minn.

COVER

Reading about Craig Sager's need for platelet transfusions (The Bright Side) reminded me why I donate platelets every month. While I know on a theoretical level how important it is, donating takes on a deeper meaning after learning more about someone like Sager, whose anonymous donors are helping to keep him alive.

Nelson F. Migdal

Chevy Chase, Md.

PAGE 60

POINT AFTER

How does art relate to sports? Art is expression, and sport is the expression of the competitive spirit. In other words, sport is the art of competition. Steve Rushin asks if the purpose of sport is to win or to perform beautifully. It is both.

Bill Fryczynski

Havelock, N.C.

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JERRY WACHTER (WASHINGTON)

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MICHAEL J. LEBRECHT II (COVER)

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DAMIAN STROHMEYER (RUSHIN)

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DAVID SHERMAN/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES (TIMBERWOLVES)

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AP (DRAFT)

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