ADDING TO DODGERS-GIANTS LORE.

Matt McHale's story about his top 10 Dodgers-Giants games at Candlestick Park was fun to read. Let me add three of my favorites:

1969: Rookie pitcher Gaylord Perry was told by his manager, Alvin Dark, that there will be a man on the moon before Perry hits a major-league home run. That was in 1962. Apollo 11 landed on the moon, July 20, 1969, about 1:45 p.m. Ten minutes later, Perry hit his first home run against the Dodgers.

1971: On Labor Day, the Giants came to L.A. with an eight-game lead over the Dodgers. The Dodgers swept the three-game series. The following Monday, the Dodgers visited Candlestick, now trailing by three games. The Dodgers swept two more games. The highlights included a near riot in game one, caused by Juan Marichal throwing at Dodgers hitters, then being ejected by the umpires. On his way to the dugout, Marichal gave the ``choke'' sign. Game two was won by a three-run, ninth-inning double by pinch-hitter Manny Mota. Sports Illustrated placed the series on the cover: ``Dodgers and Giants at war again.''

1991: The Dodgers closed out the season at Candlestick tied with Atlanta with three games to play. As the Braves won their first two weekend games at home, the Dodgers lost the first two games. Giants first baseman Will Clark was asked how he felt about the Dodgers losing the pennant that most expected them to win. Clark's response: ``Ha ha ha ha ha.''

- ED KAZ 

West Hills

Lack of Zeile

Much has been written about the regretful trade of Mike Piazza. Much forgotten has been the other player traded in the same transaction: Todd Zeile, a gentleman and fine third baseman whose strong performance this year with the Texas Rangers should not go unnoticed. Todd is hitting .296 with 23 HRs and 96 RBI. That compounds the error

- THOMAS PATRICK

Granada Hills

Supporting Rooney

I hope it isn't too late to offer one more letter in support of Dudley Rooney, the recently fired athletic director of Alemany High.

All four of my children graduated from Alemany. For three years, while my youngest sons were there, I worked in the history department, where Dudley taught social studies, so I came to know him quite well.

It would be hard to find a man who cared more about the young people in his charge. He is a caring, dedicated teacher liked and respected by all. I cannot imagine why he was chosen as a scapegoat in the matter of the basketball coach who proved to have a background as a registered sex offender.

Interestingly, one of the higher-ups in the Archdiocese is Msgr. Stephen Blair, who was the principal of Alemany during part of Rooney's tenure, and certainly has a deep understanding of the man's character.

The dismissal of Dudley Rooney is unfair in the extreme.

- JACQUELYN WOLL

Granada Hills

I feel compelled to write this letter because I am stunned and outraged by the decision of the Archdiocese to terminate Dudley Rooney after 22 years of loyal and dedicated service to Alemany High.

Twenty-three years ago, I had the opportunity and privilege to be coached in softball by Dudley Rooney. I knew at that time that he was something special, an awesome coach of the game, inspirational, a true motivator of people, and an outstanding person. His character was pure excellence.

Several years back I ran into him again. It was great to see him and to know he was still that same person. With clear perspective now, I look back and realize what a positive impact he had on my life and how truly grateful I am. He gave me confidence when I lacked it, he inspired me when I was down, he kicked my butt when necessary (which I no doubt deserved half the time), and truly made me feel important.

This man is such a profoundly good and talented individual. Via the handling of this very difficult situation and the subsequent termination of Mr. Rooney, I am having the hardest time not believing that the Archdiocese has made a drastic, impulsive and ``scapegoatish'' decision.

I am requesting a statement or explanation by the Archdiocese as to the ``whys'' surrounding his termination. I am not comfortable with the Archdiocese's decision to terminate Mr. Rooney.

Clearly, I am in need of answers. As a respectful and God-fearing member of the Catholic community, I can find no rationale or justification for this decision and it leaves me quite pained. I feel it is in the best interests of all parties involved to reinstate Dudley Rooney as the athletic director of Alemany High School.

- ERIN ROCK

Granada Hills

Staples Retirement Center

Hearing that the Lakers are signing John Salley and Benoit Benjamin to their roster, I was thinking why not give Kareem a call. He's older and better than these two new old guys, plus coach Jackson will have a yoga partner. Good luck at the Staples Center.

- GENO TRUNZO

Chatsworth

Although I myself am an avid Lakers fan, I find it rather interesting that Scottie Pippen reiterated a desire to be traded to the Lakers. Especially after reading the torrent of criticism he unleashed on teammate Charles Barkley.

What makes Scottie believe the Lakers have that very same desire and dedication to win an NBA championship he accused Barkley of not having? Obviously, the Lakers have yet to show it.

- GARY MONTENEGRO

Sun Valley

Leave, Steve

Steve Young has nothing else to prove to anybody. I know it is hard for any player to walk away from the game they love so much. What makes Steve Young so special is that he never only played the game for money. He played because he loved the sport. He proved to the world he could take the 49ers to the Super Bowl and win it. I just hope he listens to his doctors and retires because there is no way in hell he can take another concussion.

- PAUL CARNEY

Los Angeles