Philadelphia Daily News - October 31, 1980
Fan Mail (Excerpts)
McGraw 'Childish'
As an avid fan of all sports, baseball being an all-time favorite. I find the statement your paper carried made by Tug McGraw as totally unprofessional and highly uncalled for by a world champion. This is certainly no way to show class. But then again, from someone as childish as Mr. McGraw. it is quite understandable. I think Mr. McGraw owes New York City and all fans quite as apology. – Frank A. Barbera, A Yankee Fan
Writers' Block
Reading your reporting of the Phillies' second game with the Astros was very disappointing. The conceit of Bill Conlin and Ray Didinger is in direct contrast to their writing ability.
First, Conlin tries to compare the second game with a Shakespearean tragedy. Rather than simply reporting facts. Conlin wants to place blame for the Joss on an individual and collectively impose guilt on the Phillies for losing. Conlin speculates that all the "only-ifs" would have gone in the Phillies' favor. If he opens the game up to speculation, he should then begin considering negative possibilities – McBride falling on his face between third base and home plate.
Conlin is best described as one of Shakespeare's bigger buffoons.
Ray Didinger's conclusory approach that the Phils were entitled to this game without having to play the full nine innings is obnoxious. He writes that the Phillies had the game wrapped up and let it "flutter away like a frightened sparrow."
In general, the attitude of the press seems that the Phillies arent playing for themselves at all. but that they must win. in particular, for the writers (who. in my opinion, aren't worth a bag full of fingernail clippings). – Alan V. Vaskas
Turning Point
What a great World Series! Some say the momentum changed for good as Schmidt's mammoth home run disappeared over Kansas City's center field in Game 5. Others say it happened during one of Tug's heart-palpitating strikeouts when the bases always seemed to be loaded.
Great performances one and all, but in retrospect it was Game 4 – George Brett at the plate with the lead, and Dickie Noles on the mound trying to keep it close. How close? Dickie singed George's whiskers with a laser-beam fastball that dropped the .390 hitter like a mortally wounded buffalo.
At best. K.C. hitters had a few feeble swings off him thereafter. From that point on. millions of frustrated baseball fans could smell the end of 97 years of... "Wait til next year." Thanks, Dickie. – Ken Dyer, Lebanon, Pa.
Pirating Praise
Congratulations to the Phillies and to the City of Philadelphia for a great World Series from a Pittsburgh Pirates fan. Through the exciting playoffs with Houston and the Series itself, you proved you were true champions.
As we relinquish the flag to you, may you fly it proudly but watch out for the Buccos next year! – Eileen Ruppen, Pittsburgh
Kudos to Green
Dear Dallas Green: I would like to thank you personally and commend you for the excellent job of managing you did for our Phillies this year.
I believe you have renewed the people's interest in baseball in Philadelphia and the fans you have here in Treasure Island, Fla. Their interest in the Phillies in this area could not be lower, especially after last year's problems.
You deserve most of the credit for keeping them right in the thick of it. despite all those injuries. I will never know how you were able to do it. Believe me, you have brought back the fans of this area to major league ball. Your determination and patience paid off. You deserve credit for keeping them right in the thick of it, despite all those injuries. I will never know how you were able to do it. Believe me, you have brought back the fans of this area to major league ball. Your determination and patience paid off. staying with those young bucks of yours. We are 100 percent behind you here in Treasure Island. – Domenic Mazzagatti, Treasure Island, Fla.