SPORTS SPEAK UP!

MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL had left Albuquerque and Isotopes Park would be a parking lot today if not for the collective efforts of the following nearly two decades ago: Mayor Jim Baca, the city of Albuquerque’s Lawrence Rael, Rodger Beimer and his Backin’ Baseball committee of dozens of volunteers, City Councilor Tim Kline and media members . ... It was quite a battle fought against the City Council (less Kline) and the non-sports minded members of our community. Albuquerque is very fortunate to have regained AAA baseball to be played in the modern Isotopes Park. — Joseph

IS THAT COACH Weir or Mr. Rogers in that sweater and tennis shoes on the Lobo bench? Maybe coach Alford could loan him a nice dress jacket and dress shoes. And once again how about names on the back of the jerseys so we can know who all the new players are, since we can’t understand the sound system in the Pit . ... How I miss the good old days when the Pit was rocking and Lobos Louie and Lucy were firing everyone up, running around the floor leading the crowd wave.

— MAP

ERNIE AND I compared the experience of our cherry picked third-tobottom row Pit seats to our old mezzanine-level season tickets. Where are the fans? Not even a paralyzing blizzard would have suppressed attendance so badly. And the sound system put us in the holiday spirit — reminding us of the Charlie Brown special adults. Garbled and you cannot understand a word. Unfortunately, so loud you cannot talk to your neighbor. — Mark GOD BLESS Dane Kuiper…you gotta love him. He’s correct that the coach can only do so much, and it’s ultimately up to the players to execute the game plan. Hopefully his words will exert some peer pressure on each teammate for them to evaluate their own efforts from within. But Lobo fans, don’t give up on this team. As disappointing these past three losses have been, and they have been really disappointing, remember they turned it around last year to almost win the (Mountain West) tournament. The season is still young. — Bob, UNM Area PAUL WEIR seems to be his own worst enemy. He obviously cares about his UNM team and has done a good job of recruiting good athletes to the program while getting them in superb condition with offseason workouts. However, it’s obvious that the Lobos’ recent opponents are well rested and it’s UNM that is running on empty. It’s absurd to have the team running sprints the day before a game and/ or on game day. Wait until the lights come on and then it’s showtime for 40 minutes. Rest up and repeat.

— Back Seat Coach

SO THE LOBOS blow a big lead and end up losing. Look no further than the free throw comparison: Colorado made 21 of 32 attempts; Lobos made 7 of 14 attempts. That’s a bit lopsided for my comfort level! — Dr.J., Placitas UNLESS A college football team is involved in the Final Four of the CFP, the other bowl games are essentially meaningless, just for “fun and games.” We do not know the financial situation of any of these athletes, and if they decide to sit out the Taxslayer Bowl, or whatever, in order to better position themselves for an NFL contract, it is their right to do so. Walk a mile in their shoes before you throw rocks. — Joe, ABQ