Brito’s Inner Strength Makes Them Want to Be Like Mike

In a day when we hear so much about overpaid egomaniacs in professional sports, it is so refreshing to read about a guy like Mike Brito and his son Miguel [July 14]. He is a credit to the Dodgers, and his story put a lump in my throat. Congratulations to Bill Plaschke for a great column about a great human being.

ROBERT GOYETTE

Rolling Hills Estates

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I never knew Mike Brito’s hands had a more important mission than clocking fastballs on the speed gun. I never knew that Mike Brito had a more important mission than finding the next Fernando.

Now, thanks to Bill Plaschke, I and thousands of other L.A. sports fans know what Mike Brito’s son, Miguel, knows. . . . We are all the better for having Mike Brito in our presence.

LEN BOARDMAN

Sherman Oaks

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Bill Plaschke is great with words, but he doesn’t understand the music. Several references in his column on Mike Brito and his brain-damaged son betray a writer who fails to appreciate the depth of his subject.

As I read of Brito and his son, I could not help but think of my own 8-year-old “angel” whose stares may appear “vacant” to others, who poignantly, though wordlessly, returns the affection he is given (and then some), and whose smiles are far too sweet to be imagined. My profoundly retarded son has changed my perception of the world, of life, of love. It isn’t hard to see that Miguel Brito has done the same for his father.

Plaschke never disappoints in writing quality. This time, though, he misunderstood the theme he was presented. It’s not about Brito stoically struggling in the face of adversity and making the best out of things. It’s about his recognition of the grace he enjoys. Not many folks can say they’ve lived with an angel.

PAUL O’BRIEN

West Covina

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Mike Brito has found many outstanding players for the Dodgers. Why can’t they find a seat for him behind home plate?

MIRIAM B. MASON

Woodland Hills