Letters from the PCT mailbag 

By John Fragodt, Sports Reporter

The Pope County Tribune receives hundreds of letters each week (not really) from our readers asking a variety of well-thought-out questions regarding sports’ topics.  We haven’t had the time to respond to the questions until now.  And so, here are some questions from interested people concerning some topics of interest in sports.

•  Hello PCT staff.  How come more people didn’t take part in the football contest at the Pope County Tribune last year.  I see you’re giving out money, it’s free and takes only about 5 minutes for people to enter.  I’m not complaining because it gives me a better chance at winning, but what’s up? . . . Mark Beasley, former PCT sports editor

“Hi Mark, and that’s a really good question.  I’m hoping it was just because it was new to the community so they weren’t quite sure what to do.  Thanks for asking and help spread the word how easy it is to enter.”

•  Hey John, I see the Minnewaska High School team, Glenwood-Lowry Legion, Starbuck Jr. Legion and Starbuck Stars had great seasons this year and seem to play great, consistent, fundamental baseball.  We’re having a tough time staying consistent here with the Twins and we’re wondering if you have any suggestions for helping us play more like the teams from Pope County? . . . Carlos Correa, Twins player

“Hi Carlos.  Yes, baseball in the Pope County is much better than I had thought and baseball seems to be a pretty big sport around here.  I’d say just have confidence in yourself, stay positive and keep working hard.  Oh yeah, it doesn’t hurt to have a Gruber, Alexander, Ver Steeg, Jensen, or Johnson in your lineup.”

•  Hi PCT staff, keep up the great job.  I keep hearing about who’s the greatest of all time, but somehow, we keep getting forgotten in the equation.  What’s the key to getting on the all-time list of NBA greats and getting some recognition from today’s NBA players? . . . Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Larry Bird, NBA greats

“Hi Kareem and Larry.  Before I go any further, I just want Larry to know he’s my favorite player of all time and as far as I’m concerned you two are the greatest basketball players of all time; both for college and the pros.  Unlike a lot of players nowadays, you two let your play on the court do the talking for you.  Not sure why Shaq, Bill Russell and Wilt keep getting put ahead of you, Kareem, and not at all sure why Labron is even mentioned in the same sentence as you, Larry.  Yes, time is not kind to players from past eras, but I’ll keep putting in good words for the both of you.”

•  It’s been a long time, but I think our reign is finally coming to an end.  Of course, I’m talking about myself, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.  We have won 65 of the last 81 men’s Grand Slam tournaments, but Roger has retired, I’m all beat up and Novak looks like he might also be headed downhill after losing in the Wimbledon finals to an up-and-coming Carlos Alcaraz.  Are there any other players that can dominate professional tennis like we did?” . . . Rafael Nadal

“Hi Rafael.  Yes, since Roger won the 2003 Wimbledon Tourney, you three have dominated tennis for the past 20 years.  However, all good things must come to an end and it appears your 20-year reign is finally ending.  There were a number of other players who I thought would knock you off the pedestal earlier, but somehow, you three continued to dominate tennis like no others.  It’s been fun watching you three dominate, but it’s time to give the younger guys their due.”