Lost Traditions Reflect Players’ Attitudes?

I read with great interest Barbie Ludovise’s article regarding the virtual disappearance of stirrup socks from baseball (“Annnnd They’re Out!” May 30). This particular fashion trend has been a source of great irritation to me since it began a few seasons ago.

As an avid baseball fan for 40 years, I take the traditions of the game very seriously. Today’s players who wear their baseball pants as one would wear sweat pants are turning their backs on the traditions of the game.

I have a theory that they are making more than just a fashion statement when they take the field dressed the way they are. In this age of talent-diluting expansion and runaway salaries, the players are attempting to distance themselves from their hard-playing, highly talented, low-paid predecessors. If they dressed like real major leaguers, they would be expected to play like them. And those few who can simply don’t want to work that hard.

MARTIN E. GREEN

Northridge