2025 Card-vent Calendar: December 3

December 3, 2025:

1981 Topps Traded #811 Bob Owchinko

To see Bob on a card in an (airbrushed) A's uniform, where the photo was taken long before the Jon Matlack Incident, the contrast in tone and appearance is quite striking.

The eyes twinkle, the hair rests under the cap, carefree.  The focus is on throwing strikes. Palling around with Rich Bordi and Mike Norris.  Marveling from the dugout at the speed of that youngster.

The beard came later, then the sleepless nights.

A steely gaze underneath a rigid side-part.

Bob Owchinko became a something less than a man.

Nights spent waiting up.  Quick glances into corner cafes.

And all the while, she was right by his side.

Yet he still suspected.

Harbored.

Speculated.

 

Some say that on chill, October nights, the wind still faintly whispers, "Ooooooooooooh."