For This Dodger Fan, Eric Gagne Is a Heartthrob

Eric Gagne is not an “unlikely L.A. sports icon” (“Showtime at Chavez Ravine,” by Bill Shaikin, Oct. 3). Gagne’s dominating talent, streak of 84 consecutive saves and fierce competitive spirit have made him so popular and fun to watch. In all of my years as a Dodger fan, I have never experienced such frenzied excitement at Dodger Stadium as when those bullpen doors swing open and Gagne comes stomping and jogging toward the mound.

Also, to describe him as “large” and “shaggy” is inaccurate. My family and I were fortunate this past summer to meet him in San Diego as he was headed, in street clothes, to Petco Park for a Dodger-Padre game. Not only was he extremely nice, but he was tall, broad and drop-dead handsome. Valerie Gagne is one lucky lady.

Amy Kent Berke

Calabasas