REMEMBER THE MANIA

At a time when some athletes are handed every possible break and still can’t resist the temptation to self-destruct via booze, gambling, drugs and the like, there’s also Fernando Valenzuela (“Fernando’s Hideaway,” by Michael J. Goodman, Sept. 20).

Valenzuela, a man who’s had to face the harsh realities of Big Business Baseball, has responded by accepting responsibility, by trying again, by rejecting fear and self-pity and going back to where it all began. He’s facing the players, the fans, the press and the skeptics--just trying to play his game, knowing that everyone is watching.

Many of us who have enjoyed any degree of success have had times when we felt like we were back at Square One. Perhaps we should be more like Valenzuela--simply trying our best instead of always judging whether we’re winning or losing.

God bless Fernando for trying!

CHARITY JAMES

Beverly Hills