Mr. Sambito was off to an amazing career as a relief pitcher before being derailed by an arm injury that required Tommy John surgery.  In his first five full seasons, he posted ERA+’s of 154, 108, 199, 151, and 180, and was a National League all-star.  He was injured in 1982, and did not return to the major leagues until 1984, but struggled upon his return.  He did, however, help the 1986 Red Sox reach the World Series, contributing 12 saves over 44.2 innings.

While not a typical nerd card, I like to imagine that this picture was taken with some sort of supernatural camera out of a David Lynch movie or a “Twilight Zone” episode.  So when we look at the picture, we see both the way things are, and the way things once were, with these parallel existences mirroring each other through the lens.  Young Joe Sambito, can you see the injury lying in wait for your future self?  Are you helpless to prevent it?

And the guy in the back is even like the cowboy from Mulholland Drive.

Most amazing thing I learned from quickly scanning the archives: Lil’ Wayne has considered what his entrance music would be if he were a closer or a batter for a major league baseball team.  What are his selections?  If given one-thousand guesses, I doubt I would’ve guessed either of them…

“I’ve thought about it, and my song would be “Closing Time” by that group Semisonic. You know the one: Closing Tiiiiiiiime. Except I’d just have that loop over and over again “Closing Tiiiiiiime, Closing Tiiiiiiiime” while I came in from the bullpen. And I wouldn’t run to the mound; I’d walk just to soak it all in. And for the away games it wouldn’t matter that I didn’t get to hear my song because I’d hear all the fans booing me and that would be enough to get me going.

I know I’ve told you before I’d use “Purple Rain” by Prince when I went to hit because it puts me a certain mood, and I think it puts everyone in a certain mood like where they just feel good and relaxed. And then BAM I’d hit it out and put them to sleep.”

Did I just read that, or did I somehow get transported into a Luis Bunuel or David Lynch movie?

Thank God for Lil’ Wayne, a truly interesting celebrity.