THE READERS SOMETIMES E-MAIL

By Mike Trask

Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2007 | 7:22 a.m.

The readers sometimes e-mail. But who knew Monday's Opening Line on Dodger broadcaster Vin Scully would draw this much reaction? At least my photograph didn't run with the column, because the Scully faithful are unhappy. Here's a sampling:

Mike Trask's cruel column on Vin Scully should be considered a violation of age discrimination laws. Somehow Scully's employer believes he is worth millions of dollars a year to narrate games , and his ratings seem to justify the paycheck. But Trask wants him to take a hike because he is not a teeny-bopper.

Robert Lieberman

Las Vegas

OK. But ...

My first thought was "God , what an idiot." There will never be another Scully. I hope to hell he's there a lot longer than you're at your job. I will never read another column of yours again.

Loretta Redmer

Las Vegas

Ouch. But ...

Go watch the X-Games. Vin Scully forever!

Lynn Lipps,

Las Vegas

The X-Games are kind of cool. But ...

I thought that was in very poor taste. You sound like a youngin' just starting out in journalism. You wouldn't know a good announcer if you heard one. Maybe you should get in another line of work.

John Zappia

Mesquite

Maybe an X-Games writer. But ...

First of all, who is Mike Trask? Second, what rock did you come out from under? I find it simply amazing that a person employed at a newspaper can have such a lack of knowledge of greatness. I am 36 years old, grew up in Los Angeles and consider myself a huge Dodgers fan, but more so a Vin Scully fan.

It's humorous to think that anyone who knows anything about the game of baseball or enjoys any part of the game can find anything bad to say about a Hall of Fame broadcaster who has been the voice of baseball for close to six decades.

David Grisar

Las Vegas

This is a beating. But ...

What have you got against Vin Scully? He is one of the best there ever was. There is no one who can call a game like Vin. I hope he lives long. You are so out of sync you don't know which way is up.

I don't feel Barry Bonds could shine Hank Aaron's shoes. I don't think you could shine Vin Scully's shoes. You owe Vin Scully an apology.

Sylvia Gross

Las Vegas

My ego is bruised. But ...

The word "legendary" when referring to Vin Scully is an honor he earned by 50 years of sitting in a booth, describing a game better than any baseball announcer, ever. His smooth voice at 80 is not the white noise coming out of the microphones of the double or triple teaming announcers of the modern-day broadcasts.

Maybe you should use Vin as an example in your writing for the next 50 years or so and your column might change from the white noise it is today.

Craig Cowan

Las Vegas

I'm getting ready to tap out. But ...

Vin Scully is by far the most respected, most professional and classiest broadcaster , past, present or future. A normal baseball game is at least three hours long and can go longer than that. So if he wants to bring up some history from games past, so be it. So I hope your contract is up soon, because if any one should be signing off, it's you.

Joe Cali

Las Vegas

Help. Please. Anyone? ...

I completely respect Scully as one of the true greats in broadcasting. His career has lasted over 50 years. What is next for you? Perhaps you can get a job covering the local sports scene in the thriving metropolis of Pahrump. Get a life. As they say in the sports world, "You couldn't carry his jock." Good luck in your mediocre career.

Mark Alvarado

Las Vegas

That might be the knockout blow. But ...

Are you brain-dead, illiterate, a communist or just an idiot? To call Vin Scully boring is to call soccer exciting. I feel sorry for you for not relishing the nostalgia of the players Scully speaks of. Mike, you just don't get it. Mike, you probably throw like a girl. Mike, you are no fan.

Jeff Thomas

Henderson

I'm dizzy and I have a headache. But ...

I am 75 years old and a lifelong Dodger fan. I couldn't agree with you more on Vin Scully. I can relate to much of which he talks about, but cannot listen to him drone on for nine innings. I turn the sound down on the TV and listen to the radio.

Ted Clarneau

Summerlin

Whew, thought I was alone. But...

Even though I have been a Dodger fan long enough to recognize most of the events Scully talks about, I totally agree with your article. I find that I have to turn off the sound to get away from his constant barrage of minutiae, most of which never relates to what's happening on the field. Sometimes we just want to watch without obvious narration because the picture can be worth a thousand words. And your final comment about Chris Berman sealed the deal. Nice (and courageous) article.

Lex Larsen

Henderson

Lex to the rescue. Thanks ...

I can't thank you enough for your column on Vin Scully. Finally, someone has stood up and told the truth. No matter how great he might have been, those days are long gone. Hearing Scully broadcast a game is about as exciting and informative as hearing Pete Rose give a presentation on fashion tips (especially tips on where to find the best barbers).

Terry Cox

Henderson

I seldom hear from readers about my regular coverage of actual news. Last week, for example, I co- wrote a lengthy article looking at government spending. I have not received one call or e-mail.

The morning of the Scully column I had 13 messages on my voice mail waiting at 8:30 a.m. By the end of the workday, I'd received more than 100 e-mails and calls.

So, at least we're all talking about the important stuff.