Downey on Murray: Readers Find It Questionable

Hey, Mike Downey [Aug. 17], here are a couple of questions for you:

Q: Why is it that Cal Ripken Jr., in his speech after his record-breaking game, named Eddie Murray as his most important influence, along with his father, mother and wife?

A:

Q: Mike, tell us, other than being mean, sarcastic, nasty and negative toward every single aspect of the sport, what have you ever done for the fans of baseball?

A:

GREG SCHUMAN

Los Angeles

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I am deeply saddened and disappointed in Mike Downey’s choice of negative words toward a great baseball player, Eddie Murray. Eddie has entertained and given so much of himself toward the game he deeply loves. To have Downey ridicule him because he chose not to speak to the media is an unfair power play of the pen.

[Murray’s] numbers and behind-the-scenes support of underprivileged youths should have given Downey plenty to write about in a positive light--but I guess that would have taken a little research.

DOUG DeCINCES

Newport Beach

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Bravo to Mike Downey for an accurate “interview” with Eddie Murray. It is the kind of farewell Mr. Murray richly deserves for the way he has treated his fans over the years.

In 1989, Murray participated in a baseball clinic in Glendale. He obviously was unhappy being there and certainly didn’t help the Dodger image with his attitude. At the end of the session he signed the required autographs. He never looked up, and he never smiled at the children. When it was our turn in line, I politely asked him if he could please use my ballpoint pen to sign a ball instead of the blue felt pen he was using. He looked up in disgust, said, “Oh . . . , man. You people expect everything. OK. Give it to me.” He set a terrible example for the children that day.

Good riddance, Eddie.

ELLIOTT PORTER

Burbank

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Perhaps Mr. Downey can go to Cooperstown in five years and conduct his asinine interview with Eddie’s bust.

TED McFADDEN

Upland

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Mike Downey is a fine, entertaining writer, but this column was beneath his and The Times’ editorial standards.

Downey is free to criticize Eddie Murray for his standoffish demeanor, but bringing up his World Series batting average and recent substandard performances is vindictive and off the point.

Eddie Murray’s credentials are beyond reproach. Mike Downey’s are no longer.

DANIEL V. PUGLISI

Los Angeles

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I don’t know what means Mike Downey used to get such an in-depth interview with Eddie Murray, but it answered everything I ever wanted to know about him.

CHUCK HILL

Van Nuys