Here is a chance for the Veterans’ committee to right a Hall of Fame wrong that has existed for years: Gil Hodges’ exclusion from Cooperstown. With 1,274 RBIs, 1,105 runs scored and 370 home runs (more than Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra or Ralph Kiner), Hodges’ numbers justify his admission. More than that, however, he exhibited high moral character, was a successful leader of men (managing the world champion Mets in 1969), a key element in the Dodgers’ pennant-winning years, and the quintessential role model (something so lacking in players today). Hopefully he can join his Dodgers comrades Duke Snider, Pee Wee Reese, and Roy Campanella in the Hall.
CHUCK ECKSTEIN
Brooklyn
Doesn’t add up
* Maybe the Big East is not the dumbest football conference. The “Big 10” currently has 12 teams, while the “Big 12” currently has 10 teams. Do these conferences really represent institutions of higher learning ?
RICHARD SIEGELMAN
Plainview, N.Y.
Citi shenanigans
* The Mets likely will not re-sign Jose Reyes and are talking about trading David Wright. It’s a good thing the Mets are moving in the fences next year. Now, maybe a few of the minor league players left on the roster can hit two or three home runs.
JAMES PANZO
Brooklyn
* So, the Mets’ hierarchy decided they had to bring in the fences to accommodate the team’s hitters. I’ve been a Mets fan since 1968, and I don’t like the move. While I agree, the previous dimensions are a bit lengthy in certain parts of the stadium, like 415 in right-center, that’s what makes baseball exciting. If you go around to all 32 ballparks, every team has its own niche. Some stadiums, such as Citizens Bank in Philadelphia or Yankee Stadium in right field, are band boxes. On the other hand, Minute Maid Park in Houston is a moon shot to center field. Each park is different, and I like it that way. Citi Field should have been left alone.
KENNY CULLEN
Throggs Neck
Greatest ever?
* All the so called experts are now rushing to call Tony La Russa, who just piloted the Cardinals to their World Series win, the greatest manager ever. Well, here’s a question for them. How do his six pennants and three World Series in 33 years compare to Casey Stengel’s 10 pennants and seven World Series champs in 12 years — with just two teams making the postseason each season? And that’s just for starters.
JIM POLLIO
Brooklyn
Bye-bye Brandon
* It’s time for the Giants to get rid of Brandon Jacobs. He’s hurting the team with his negative attitude, and with the facts he’s injury-prone and losing a step.
JR CUMMINGS
Manhattan