Listening in ‘School’

I believe Robert Hilburn is mishearing the line in Gary U.S. Bonds’ “School Is Out” (From the Vaults, Sept. 6). I think it is “I can root for the Yankees from the bleachers,” which he pronounced without the “r” as “bleachas,” not “beaches.”

Hilburn’s criticism (even when I disagree) has served as a musical grad school for me for about 30 years. Thanks.

RICHARD LIBOTT

Encino