Ability, heart, luck enabled golfer’s round

That’s no sandbagger – that’s my father. First of all, I would like to congratulate Hank Veilleux on his wonderful round of 77 in Friday’s first round of the Citgo Paul Bunyan Amateur Golf Tournamnet; it was a round of a lifetime. Not much different from my father’s round of 77 which he posted on that same Friday, earlier in the day.

Malcolm Grant is my father, and he was done a disservice by your paper when it labeled him a sandbagger – when in actuality it was an outstanding round in its own right. For the average golfer to have a round like this he needs to have a few things going for him: a little ability, heart, and luck. He hit the ball fairly well and found a way to score.

Dad has played in the Bunyan for a few years and may have had a round in the mid-to-high 80s, usually higher. If an official would look at previous scores in Dad’s past Bunyans or in the Maine State Golf Association tournaments, the evidence would support his handicap and place in the C Flight.

Great round Dad!

– Kevin Grant, Rockland

After enduring a miserable spring and finally getting the garden in, it is most welcome to hear the crack of the bat and see the antics of Babe the Blue Ox once again. It was also great to see Maine’s favorite, Carlton Willey, on opening day.

We have noticed that this year is even more enjoyable than last year because now we recognize faces from the 1996 season, and we can watch new players develop and older players still enjoying the game.

As a baseball fan since 1945, I feel this is the best time you can have: following a local team and getting to meet new acquaintances – fans, players, and management. How much of this can you do at a big league park?

We encourage the people of this area to get out and support your Bangor Blue Ox at Mahaney Diamond in Orono. It’s the best buy for the sports buck in the area.

Many of us hope to see the team in Bangor in 1998 – where it belongs. But we need to get out and support them if this is to be accomplished. The management is committed to give us a quality sports product, but can continue to do so only if we give them the backing.

Look what Portland and the Sea Dogs have achieved. After Old Orchard people said, “They won’t make it,” and today they are sold out more games than not.

Having a stadium in town has been good for the community and surrounding towns. Bangor can benefit from a similar venture.

Some will disagree with me, and that’s OK. But over the past few years I have come to believe that minor league baseball is the fans’ real game.

– John B. Douglas, Brewer

Readers may submit “Sounding Off” comments to the Bangor Daily News’ Sports Desk at P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402-1329. Our fax number is (207) 990-8092. The opinions expressed are the writers’, not the BDN’s. All comments will be edited for accuracy, clarity, content, and taste. Letters must be signed and include an address and telephone number.