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.