The Other Side of Galarraga Story

I have noticed in recent weeks columns written by Ross Newhan and Tim Kawakami praising Andres Galarraga and his great “comeback from cancer” story. All of this would be fine and dandy if it were not for the fact that our hero is and always has been a bad sport. Watch him next time he gets hit by a pitch and you’ll see what I mean. You’ll see him react as if it’s the pitcher’s fault that he couldn’t avoid hitting Andres’ elbow, which is always over the plate!

Dodger fans will remember a game several years ago when Galarraga purposely cleated Dodger second baseman Jody Reed because he was angry about getting hit with a pitch and a pickoff attempt. Reed was injured on that play and couldn’t play for weeks afterward. Ask Jody Reed how much inspiration he gets from Andres’ story. I wouldn’t wish cancer on anyone but I didn’t miss “the Cat” one bit last year and I certainly won’t ever tell my kids to play the game like he does.

ROB BECK

Chino