Letters: Fired Philadelphia Phillie photographer John Green's fans leap to his defense

RE BYKO'S column about the firing of Phillies photographer John Green:

I thought I recognized him from the photo on Philly.com. "The guy who wears the hard hat," I said to myself. I go to 20-25 games a year, and of all the PhanPhoto people, John is the only guy I remember!

While my family and I often politely decline the photo op from others, I've always accepted John's invitation. He's polite and has made my 7-year-old laugh. He always seemed to enjoy his job.

If the Phillies abide by the rules for hiring for this job, then fine - but the team should find another position of equal value for him in the organization. When George Steinbrenner caught a 16-year-old spray-painting Yankee Stadium, he gave him a job, and Ray Negron went on to be Mr. Steinbrenner's assistant for 38 years. The Phillies need to do the same for Mr. Green.

If John Green paid his debt to society and never lied or concealed his past, he shouldn't lose his job.

Dave Parfitt, East Stroudsburg

I was shocked when I saw your article about John Green. I've been a Phillies season-ticket holder for years, and John Green became a family favorite. He's the only photographer we would allow to take our pictures at the ballpark. He was such a friendly and fun guy, and we loved when he would wear his batting helmet, which is his trademark, with all of the signatures.

I also came in contact with him at Baseball 101 for women, and he was so excited that my friend and I recognized him. When we approached him, he asked us to friend him on Facebook, which brings me to my next thought. Maybe a Facebook page could be created in support of John Green, and the fans can petition to get his job back. I feel like the ballpark won't be the same without him. Last year on Opening Day he took a picture of my family, and it's framed on my mantelpiece.

I'm sure you will get many more responses like this one.

Tara Vesci, Fort Washington

nolead begins

Re your April 18 article about the trash in the city: I was saddened by the fact that the Lawncrest Recreation Center had (get this) two potato-chip bags. Hey, Lawncrest, clean up after yourselves, will ya?

Bill Heiser, Philadelphia

nolead begins

I flew into Philly last month to visit my daughter, a Penn student.

While I was waiting for the train to take me to University City, I sat next to an older woman, and we started talking (even though I didn't get her name).

She said she'd been to a casino, and the bus had delivered her to the airport, and she lived a few stops further down the train line from my stop. She asked me how old I was and when she found out I was over 65, she told me about the senior rate SEPTA has.

The woman even gave me one of her tickets.

I was truly touched by her generous gift. I can tell you Philadelphia is definitely the City of Sisterly Love.

Mary C. Neumeier, Tampa, Fla.