THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Tuesday, April 18, 1995                TAG: 9504180001
SECTION: FRONT                    PAGE: A10  EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Letter 
                                             LENGTH: Short :   36 lines

BASEBALL IS STILL IMPORTANT. OR IS IT?

What's the difference between a flag-burning hippy; or an eccentric artist who puts a flag on the floor to be walked on; or a group of greedy baseball owners and players who are centered on their own narcistic interest, with no real concern for the public that put them where they are today? I see no difference. Others have written in on this subject, but it bears repeating.

A whole season is gone and maybe something even more valuable.

The media, politicians and others chastised the current presidential administration for trying to intervene and stop the continued desecration of one of America's most cherished symbols. These individuals should be questioned as to their real motives and worth to this great nation.

I feel sorry for the ardent fans and the many thousands of our athletes across the nation who didn't make the cuts to the pros, only to find the cream that beat them to the top is not only distasteful to the American public but is leaving a stain on the history of a great national pastime.

What a great example of values and patriotism this era of baseball is giving to our children. Now the games may start again, and we are all supposed to go, watch and be happy.

If it were up to me, I would ask the whole nation to boycott the game until the bums (owners and players) were forced to leave the playing fields for good.

GREGORY J. SMITH

Norfolk, April 4, 1995 by CNB