Leo Gomez, 1993 Pinnacle #351

You can tell from the long-sleeved undershirts being worn by Leo Gomez and the Tigers players in the visiting dugout that this photograph was taken at a cold-weather game. But I can safely say that I would gladly take an overcast, chilly April day right about now. For the past few days, it's been turribly cold in Baltimore. Cold enough that I am unable to think in complete sentences while outdoors, to borrow a bit from comedian Lewis Black. When I got up for work at six this morning, it was nine degrees. Nine. I don't like being able to count the temperature on my fingers. While I am grateful for the little things, like the fact that my ancient car is still starting up on the first try, or that my house has heat, it doesn't make it easier to hoist oneself out from under the warmth of a feather comforter while it's still dark outside. I have lost my admittedly small reserve of patience for winter, and would love nothing more than to make a fleeting escape to San Diego to visit friends. Unfortunately said friends are booked solid for the rest of the winter. Maybe I should plan a Spring Training excursion to Sarasota for February or March. Whaddaya say?

Dennis Martinez, 1993 Pinnacle #291

First of all, I love this card because of the side-by-side comparison of Dennis Martinez at the beginning and near-end of his career (though he remarkably hung on for another five years after this). It's reminiscent of the Super Veteran subset from 1983 Topps, and it presents a microcosm of one of my card collecting interests: I like to collect each player on as many of his different teams as I can. Such a broad subject is a beautiful thing, as it allows me to keep seeking out tons of different cards, as well as ensuring that even the most seemingly drab packs have some sort of hidden value.

But I also posted this excellent card of "El Presidente" because I want to talk politics a bit. I've studiously avoided this topic on this blog because it's so divisive; I have my opinions and this isn't a place that I deem appropriate to discuss them. In that vein, I'm not going to advocate my causes and beliefs tonight. If you're curious, you can read a bit about them here. For now, I just want to encourage my readers to vote. Hopefully, you're already registered. If not, it may not be too late. The deadline in Maryland is today, as it is for Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, and West Virginia. Tomorrow is do-or-die day in Massachusetts and Wisconsin. Friday is the cutoff date in Nebraska. Of course, some of these states have different deadlines for in-person registration; you can find out more here.

No matter what you believe and who you believe in, the greatest power that you possess in the United States is your right to vote. Don't take it for granted.