Coach Has Legion of Supporters

Your coverage of . . . the Agoura Oaks American Legion baseball team and the suspension of its coach, Lorry Gershon . . . has really missed the mark, . . . attacking the reputation of a selfless, dedicated volunteer.

I was the American Legion coach for Van Nuys South [Grant High] from 1993-96. While I know Coach Gershon made some errors in judgment, I also know those errors were in response to the unreasonable demands of a district administrator who is out of control. District 20 is out of control. Thorough reporting would have delved into the muck of District 20, which is caused by an administrator who coaches his own team and an umpire in chief who coaches his own team. The inherent conflicts that are caused by this situation has taken a wonderful summer baseball program for high school players and politicized it beyond belief.

Your surface investigation and reporting has damaged the reputation of a man who has spent the past 25 years voluntarily helping the Valley’s youth. My son played for Coach Gershon seven years ago. All the players and parents of those players who have benefited from his tutelage over those many years owe Lorry Gershon a huge debt of gratitude.

ALAN AMITIN

Van Nuys