Hearn Takes Us Into the Game

Re “Operation Takes Laker Voice Hearn Off the Air,” Dec. 20: The outpouring of affection for Chick Hearn does not surprise me. For those of us who grew up in Southern California, Chick is one of those great icons of our L.A. youth. A Sunday drive with the family in the 1960s with Chick on the radio calling a Lakers win against the Celtics--now, what could be a better moment?

Chick not only taught us the game of professional basketball, he also has invented and taught his own basketball language. Before the days of TV coverage of home playoff games by the networks or by cable, Chick allowed all of us die-hard Laker fans without playoff tickets to be at the game through his radio coverage. When Jerry West hit his 60-foot shot in the 1970 championship game against the Knicks to send the game into overtime, I tell you I was there--thanks to Chick.

Donald Bentley

La Puente

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What will we do without Chick on the mike? My suggestion: Vin Scully isn’t busy until around April . . . how ‘bout it?

Darlene J. Draper

Inglewood

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Re Paul Sunderland subbing as the Lakers’ play-by-play announcer while Hearn recovers from open heart surgery: The only improvement is that Sunderland can correctly pronounce “Medvedenko.” Hurry back, Chickie. We miss you!

Shari Epstein

Santa Monica