To the editor: The Times has fallen to a new level with its selective article about Steve Garvey's relationship with his children. Where is mention of the millions of dollars he raised for the Los Angeles chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in the late 1970s and early 1980s?
During that period, he organized a charity run and sporting event that drew thousands of people to the Warner Center. I met the Kenyan Olympic champions there when I was running. Several MS patients ran the distance thanks to Garvey's personal encouragement.
After the Dodgers won the World Series in 1981, Garvey hosted a gala event at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. He and his Dodger teammates auctioned off their jerseys, caps, gloves, socks, shoes and other personal items for thousands of dollars each. They raised an incredible amount of money, which went to the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
I should know because I volunteered with Garvey during these events. Why didn't The Times mention these facts?
J. Timothy Fives, Westchester
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To the editor: As a long-time Dodger fan, I knew Garvey had been one of the team's all-time greatest hitters. But until I read this article, I knew nothing about his personal background that would make him a viable Senate candidate.
What a coincidence! Garvey evidently shares many qualities that Republicans seem to respect:
- No prior government experience.
- A story of cheating on wives and girlfriends, and fathering multiple children with multiple romantic partners.
- Relatives who justly degrade him.
- Giving dubious answers to questions about their dubious qualifications for public office.
If Donald Trump's multiple legal problems derail his election bid, the Republican Party could ask Garvey to serve as the former president's deputy.
Sarah S. Williams, Santa Barbara
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To the editor: Voters don't ignore Garvey's traits as a father.
Neglecting children can and does cause lifelong emotional damage, mental illness, addiction, and suicide. We need to stop accepting this as a social norm and hold these criminals accountable.
My father abandoned me and my daughters were abandoned by their father. Good men exist; I married one who has healed us all.
Debbie Ficarra, La Crmyscent
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To the editor: The fact that this is not the first, but the second, front-page Times exposé detailing Garvey's duplicity underscores how completely unsuitable Garvey is to hold public office.
I well remember the previous exposé, published in 2006, which did not focus on Garvey's personal life but instead detailed a long pattern of unethical and legally questionable business and personal practices by Garvey.
According to that article, Garvey had been the subject of lawsuits filed not only by business associates but also by many contractors and vendors hired to work on Garvey's home and not paid for services rendered.
Garvey's parallels with another famous politician are striking. A shady businessman. A very messy and disturbing personal life. Using his celebrity status as justification for holding a very high-level political position. A public image that is completely at odds with the real facts of his life.
Matthew Singerman, Newbury Park
