Chris Sabo, 1995 Topps #137

Folks, it's time for some real talk. I've noticed a near-total lack of feedback in the form of comments on this blog in recent weeks. At the same time, I've felt my own interest in writing these posts start to flag. I've been updating Orioles Card "O" the Day on a near-daily basis for five years, two months, and six days, and that comes out to 1,874 blog entries in all. I'm sure that I still have things to say about the O's, and the cards on which they're featured, but more often than not it seems like I'm forcing myself to carve out a few minutes just to pluck a card out of the box or binder, scan it, say the bare minimum, and be done with it. It's somewhat disappointing, like Chris Sabo without his customary Rec Specs. That's not really providing any benefit to me or to you, and considering how lackluster my recent writing feels to me,  certainly don't blame anyone else for not having any comments to add. So I'd appreciate it if you could answer a few questions for me:

-What type of posts would you like to read on this blog? Shorter-form player biographies, oddball tangents about unusual card designs or photos, snapshots of a single Orioles game from the past, themed posts (i.e. the history of the team's top draft picks, or the best Maryland-born players?), or maybe something else?

-How much is your enjoyment of the blog tied to the daily updates? Would you rather read one or two longer posts per week, or quick tidbits every day?

-Any other suggestions? (Cosmetic makeovers, additional widgets, a transition to 100% dinosaur-related content...speak now or forever hold your peace.)

Chris Sabo, 1994 Pinnacle #490

You can't tell me that the folks at the card companies didn't get a kick out of Chris Sabo's Rec-Specs just like the rest of us did. Why, Pinnacle's photographer even tried to give them a little free advertising. I spent a few moments gazing deep into Sabo's lenses in this photo to see if I could puzzle out the reflected image, but all that I could make out was the white chalk outline of the base path. I'd give it a second try, but to spend too much time in those shatterproof oracles is an invitation to madness. Beware.

Chris Sabo, 1995 Score #385

Football has filled me with rage, frustration, and disappointment this evening. I need the calming, otherworldly zen of Chris Sabo's Rec Specs. Thank goodness you're here, Spuds.

Chris Sabo, 1994 Score Rookies/Traded Gold Rush #RT17

I assure you that there is a story behind this card choice, but right now it is past my bedtime. Consider this a teaser, with more to follow tomorrow...

Chris Sabo, 1994 Collector's Choice #485

Pitchers and catchers reported to the Orioles' Spring Training facility in Fort Lauderdale, Florida today...not a moment too soon. I hate - hate hate hate - winter. Maybe it's because I was born in August. Maybe I have Seasonal Affective Disorder; who knows? But the miserable freezing rain that tripled my commute time home last night sure isn't doing anything to dissuade me. Spring is coming. Soon we'll have more daylight, warmer weather, blooming trees and flowers, and of course, baseball. I've pulled out a card featuring Chris Sabo in all his Rec-Specs glory, going through the paces of a Spring workout in 1994. I'm also going to take this opportunity to post the rather fitting lyrics of the song "Spring", by one of my favorite musicians, folk singer Richard Shindell:

The day will begin like any other
Another sunrise in the east
It will reach across and touch you like a lover
It will tease you from a dream

And opening your eyes you will surrender
To the light that fills the room
And the hope that you have carried since September
You will offer up to June

Maybe will be certain
You can take it as a vow
Winter’s just the curtain
Spring will take the bow

Looking out your window you will wonder
At the blooming in your yard
And every opening flower will be a mirror
Of the quickening in your heart

Maybe will be certain
You can take it as a vow
Winter’s just the curtain
Spring will take the bow

The day will begin like any other
Another sunrise in the east
It will reach across and touch you like a lover
It will tease you from a dream
You won’t remember

Maybe will be certain
You can take it as a vow
Winter’s just the curtain
Spring will take the bow