Hearn Gets to the Heart of the Matter

My father and I have listened to Chick Hearn for years. His voice is an enduring one for two reasons. To us he is the voice of the Lakers. But also his voice endures for us because when my sister, Jan, was killed in a head-on collision on her way home from a Laker game May 14, 1991, he took precious time before a playoff game several weeks later to pay tribute to her by telling her story. I had no idea of the pain he had also suffered through the loss of his two children until I read your article [“The Enduring Voice,” May 24]. He spoke from his broken heart because he understood our broken hearts.

We have saved a recording of his voice, but I don’t need to listen to it, I can still hear his words nine years later. Thank you, Chick, and thank you, L.A. Times. Shared sorrow can sometimes ease pain.

TERRY HARTLEY, Pasadena

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Bravo to your staff and Steve Springer for the Chick Hearn article. It almost made Friday’s game an afterthought, although Chick would demand otherwise.

ADAM SKARSGARD, San Francisco

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I sympathize with Chick Hearn on the loss of his two children. No parent should have to endure the loss of a child. This being said, perhaps Chick should consider retiring as the Laker play-by-play man.

It would be sad if, after setting the gold standard for play-by-play men back in the ‘80s, Chick is remembered as the obstinate, arrogant, self-promoting and downright incompetent announcer he has become over the past several years. It was funny the first time I heard Chick inserting long-since-retired players into the play-by-play. Now it is just sad. I hope Chick does not make the Laker organization force him into retirement. I would like to be able to remember Chick as one of the NBA’s greatest announcers, not as someone who hung on too long and became a joke. That would be a tragedy.

ED FRESQUEZ, Duarte