I decided to go with this one from 1984, as it looks so oddly familiar to the eye protection we’ve been wearing for months in the hospital. Stupid COVID. Mr. Darrel Porter was set to protect himself from catching the virus, basically ahead of his time I think.

He had a productive 17-year career, which included a 1982 World Series ring along with the impressive MVP award for that series. That year he also managed to win the National League Championship Series MVP, a very rare feat for a player to walk away with both awards in a single post season.

Darrell passed way too young, only at the age of 50 from an accidental drug overdose. He had known struggles with substance abuse, even detailing them in an autobiography he wrote in 1984, which was published while he was still playing. Unfortunately he lost that battle, but it was not without a fight by him.

Having been born in Missouri, played in both Kansas City and St. Louis, and ultimately passing away in Missouri, he was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2000.

This card is another example that there is always more, always a story, always something. I picked this card out of many for the sweet eye protection, and learned something powerful about a person and his struggles. That doesn’t take away from his achievements on the field, if anything it makes them more impressive to accomplish them while dealing with the other.

Many people have struggles that we can’t see. So we need to remind ourselves of that. A lot of us have our own struggles that we might keep to ourselves. None of us are immaculate. We are human, with human qualities. All of us need help at some point, we just need to make sure we ask when we do. And if we are ever asked to give help, please offer a hand. Make sure that person knows they are not alone, because we all have people that care about us. We might not even know some of those people. A powerful thought knowing that someone out there cares about your wellbeing and they’ve never even met you. Do the same, care for yourself, care for those around you, and care for the world. We need more of that image of people from all around the world holding hands and connecting everyone. (yes, I realize the oceans make it not super realistic. And COVID hand-holding is a no-no. But we can’t get bogged down in those specifics.)