As Mantle Recovers, Some Fans Are Still on Very Critical List

It is easy to understand the recent outpouring of emotion for Mickey Mantle and Christopher Reeve. After all, one was faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive and a real American hero.

And the other is a fine actor.

JOHN THOMPSON

Chino

*

I find it disturbing that as Mickey Mantle recovers in the hospital from a liver transplant, many stories center on “what if” when looking back on his career. Ross Newhan’s column on June 11 is the latest example of someone who shows that tremendous personal discipline that comes from imposing it on others.

The facts are simple. Despite playing his entire career in pain, Mickey Mantle is a Hall of Famer who is considered by most to be the greatest switch-hitter in history. He played on many championship teams for the New York Yankees and thrilled fans with his speed and power.

Mantle had the wonderful opportunity to play a child’s game for his career and has certainly lived life to the fullest. Yet there are those such as Newhan who snobbishly insist that Mantle’s career should be tied to an asterisk because of his battle with alcoholism. Maybe it’s just me, but second-guessing a Hall of Famer’s career is like saying that the Statue of Liberty would have been better if they had bronzed it.

Enough is enough. I, for one, would be thrilled to simply shake the Mick’s hand, wish him the best and thank him for the memories.

JIM O’FALLON

Long Beach

*

Of the 4,657 people waiting for a new liver, the available donated liver was a match only for an aging, alcoholic, former athlete?

I think that it is time for me to remove my organ donor card from my driver’s license. I would not choose to have my organs misused in this way.

DAVID A. BERANEK

Long Beach

*

Just a quick question for those individuals who are decrying and whining about Mickey Mantle receiving a transplant:

Mantle has his liver, now where are your hearts?

MARGARET GRUETZEMACHER

Santa Maria