Cal Ripken Jr.

I picked up the paper to see [Baltimore Orioles shortstop] Cal Ripken Jr.’s wonderful smile (Sept. 7). I smiled too--until I glanced to the right to see the dour countenance of [former LAPD detective] Mark Fuhrman. I saw consummate examples of all that is good and all that is evil. Two men: one with class and the other just crass.

VERONICA C. BENNETT

Wilmington

*

* Re “2,131 and Counting,” editorial, Sept. 6, regarding Ripken breaking Lou Gehrig’s record for the number of consecutive games played:

On the evening of Sept. 6, for a brief period of time, I was magically transformed by my television set from an individual burnt out on watching reports of shootings, Senate committees wasting taxpayer dollars, cheap remarks being directed toward the LAPD, and an out-of-control murder trial to being rejuvenated by watching a “mature adult” receive the respect and appreciation of so many as Ripken did on this night.

R.G. BURSON

Sunland

*

* Wait a minute, Jeff Danziger (political cartoon, Sept. 7)! How can anyone object to Ripken using his 15 minutes of fame in a positive manner instead of being in the news for sexual harassment, wife beating, drugs or bad sportsmanship? Ripken has a strong work ethic (hard to find today), and he has some good old-fashioned ideas about how the game is supposed to be played. He’s not sitting on the bench collecting a fat paycheck.

Cal also manages to make time to sign autographs for his young fans and doesn’t charge a fee. (Gee, what a concept!)

DIANNE KINGSLAND

Anaheim Hills