Hough Deserves a Little Puff

I heard most of the game that Charlie Hough pitched against the Angels on June 16th, and my heart went out to him when I learned the next morning about his frustrating, one-hit, 2-1 loss in the ninth inning.

Being a very intense and emotional fan when Hough was with the Dodgers, I no doubt was one of those that gave up on him when he lost a few games in a relief role. In retrospect, I can now appreciate how much of a burden he carried in the many games he pitched in short relief, long relief and as a starter with very little rest.

In my mind there is not a ballplayer today that can match Hough for endurance. And, he proved to everyone that he is an excellent starting pitcher. I hope he receives the accolades due him when he retires from baseball--he’s certainly earned them.

JUNE VONASEK

Glendale